PEBEC to Establish Commercial Courts and State Councils to Enhance Nigeria’s Business Environment

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has announced plans to establish commercial courts and subnational councils as part of its broader strategy to improve Nigeria’s business climate in 2025. These initiatives are designed to enhance business arbitration and foster a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs and investors across the country.

Aimeya Okpebholo, the Project Manager at the PEBEC Secretariat, revealed these plans in a statement detailing the council’s 2025 Outlook document. She emphasized that PEBEC’s efforts would be focused on driving ease of doing business through subnational reforms, which include the creation of Ease of Doing Business Councils across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These councils aim to harmonize efforts to improve the business climate at various levels of government.

In addition to the councils, PEBEC plans to introduce commercial courts, which will streamline legal processes for businesses and provide quicker, more efficient dispute resolutions. Okpebholo noted that one of the main areas of focus would be improving insolvency regulations, digitizing Small Claims Courts, and ensuring businesses have access to justice in a timely manner. These reforms are expected to significantly boost investor confidence by making the legal environment more responsive and predictable.

Another key initiative unveiled by PEBEC is the introduction of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework. This transformative tool is designed to ensure that regulatory decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with the country’s economic objectives. Okpebholo described the RIA framework as a major step forward for Nigeria’s business environment, ensuring that regulatory changes are carefully evaluated to understand their potential impacts on businesses and the economy.

Furthermore, PEBEC is committed to accelerating digital solutions across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The council plans to enhance digital platforms, such as the reportgov.ng portal, to improve compliance, reduce rent-seeking behavior, and promote transparency in government operations. These digital innovations are part of PEBEC’s broader strategy to create a more transparent, accountable, and responsive government.

The Federal Government established PEBEC in 2016 under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who currently chairs the council. PEBEC’s work is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment.

PEBEC’s 2025 Outlook document highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to retaining investments, attracting new opportunities, and improving Nigeria’s global standing as a business-friendly destination. By focusing on regulatory reform, digital solutions, and enhancing the legal infrastructure for businesses, PEBEC aims to create a more conducive environment for growth and development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Previous post BVN Enrolments Hit 64.8 Million, Marking Continued Growth in Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion
Next post Trump’s $TRUMP Cryptocurrency Surges to $10bn Market Value Amid Growing Popularity

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *