The Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has emphasised the need for automation across government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, she noted that PEBEC is working closely with MDAs to ensure they align with this goal.
“One of the key things we are trying to do in PEBEC is automate all our systems. We believe that automation will lead to more efficient systems and better control of workflow,” Audu stated. “For instance, when applications come in, we can track the turnaround time until feedback is sent out. This applies across all sectors, not just immigration.”
Audu also stated that to drive this initiative, the council plans to hold a retreat in April for heads of MDAs and reform champions, where they will discuss strategies to enhance government efficiency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s vision.
Beyond automation, Audu stressed the importance of policy consistency, highlighting that regulatory unpredictability creates challenges for businesses. To address this, PEBEC has introduced a structured framework requiring key milestones—such as stakeholder engagement—before implementing new policies or reforms.
She further emphasised that stabilising business processes is crucial for long-term economic growth, allowing businesses to forecast and plan effectively.
“Among these milestones includes stakeholder engagement which means that the public is well aware of the variations of policies or reforms in due time and they are engaged. This is being put in place because we are pushing for more stable business environment.
“One of the key things that you will continuously come across when you deal with the private sector players is the level of inconsistency. For this administration, we are looking to make sure that we stabilise our business processes, allow our businesses be able to forecast and plan because that is a huge part of being able to do business or invest.”
With a strong focus on automation and policy stability, PEBEC aims to create a more efficient and predictable business environment, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
