NCDMB Takes the Lead: PEBEC’s H1 2023 E01 Compliance Report Revealed

The 2023 Half-Year EO1 Compliance Report, as revealed by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has highlighted the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) as the exemplar of efficiency and transparency within government agencies. This recognition signifies a significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s business environment and underscores the positive impact of regulatory reforms and initiatives within the country.

In this detailed report, we will delve into the significance of this achievement, the background of the Executive Order (EO1), the role of PEBEC in fostering a business-friendly environment, and the specific criteria used to evaluate the performance of various government agencies. Moreover, we will examine the top performers in this compliance assessment and the implications of these rankings.

**Background and the Evolution of EO1**
The journey to enhance Nigeria’s business environment began with the signing of Executive Order 001 (EO1) on May 18, 2017. EO1 was a pivotal policy directive designed to ensure the continuity and sustainability of reform initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria. It sought to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and enhance transparency in government operations. Over the years, EO1 evolved and was eventually codified under the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2022, which received legal standing following its signing on February 8, 2023.

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) came into existence in July 2016 with the explicit mission of overseeing Nigeria’s business environment interventions. PEBEC’s primary objective is to eliminate bureaucratic and legislative hindrances that impede business operations and to augment the overall perception of ease in conducting business within Nigeria.

The Council is presided over by His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, demonstrating the high-level commitment to this cause. Through periodic compliance reports, PEBEC fulfills its commitment to tracking the adherence of government agencies to the principles of transparency and efficiency enshrined in EO1.

**The EO1 Compliance Evaluation Criteria**
The EO1 Compliance Report assesses the performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by focusing on two key aspects: Efficiency and Transparency. These measures are weighted, with Efficiency accounting for 70% and Transparency for the remaining 30%. Here’s a breakdown of what these criteria entail:

1. **Efficiency**: This aspect evaluates compliance with service delivery timelines and adherence to the directives outlined in EO1. It is essential to ensure that government agencies function effectively and promptly to serve the needs of businesses and the public.

2. **Transparency**: Transparency is assessed based on a range of factors, including website updates, online service portals, detailed service information, timelines, costs, statutory requirements, and customer service contact details. This component aims to provide the public with easy access to information, making the government more accountable and accessible.

**Top Performers in the 2023 Half-Year EO1 Compliance Report**
The unveiling of the EO1 Compliance Report for the first half of 2023 has shed light on the government agencies leading the way in terms of efficiency and transparency. The top five performers in this assessment, along with their respective scores, are as follows:

1. **Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)**: NCDMB claimed the top spot with an impressive score of 83.06%, underscoring its commitment to delivering efficient services and maintaining high levels of transparency.

2. **Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)**: SON secured the second position with a score of 82.85%, demonstrating its dedication to promoting quality and standardization in various sectors.

3. **Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)**: NAQS ranked third with a score of 69.85%, highlighting its significant role in facilitating agricultural trade by adhering to the principles of EO1.

4. **Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA)**: NEMSA secured the fourth position with a score of 67.99%, indicating its efforts to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the electricity sector.

5. **Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)**: CAC occupied the fifth spot with a score of 64.01%, emphasizing its role in promoting business registration and corporate governance.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, praised these top performers for their dedication to enhancing the business environment. She urged other MDAs to learn from these exemplary agencies and make necessary improvements to enhance transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.

**Implications and the Path Forward**
The recognition of NCDMB, SON, and NAQS as the top performers in the EO1 Compliance Report for the first half of 2023 signifies a significant step forward in advancing Nigeria’s business environment. It showcases the positive impact of regulatory reforms and initiatives on government agencies and their commitment to serving the needs of businesses and the public efficiently and transparently.

These top-performing agencies serve as models for other MDAs to emulate. The rankings provide a clear benchmark for assessing performance, motivating agencies to improve their transparency and efficiency. As Nigeria strives to enhance its business environment, these evaluations offer valuable insights into areas where progress has been made and areas that require further attention.

In conclusion, the release of the 2023 Half-Year EO1 Compliance Report by PEBEC represents a notable milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to create a business-friendly environment. It acknowledges and rewards government agencies that excel in delivering efficient services while upholding transparency. The achievements of agencies like NCDMB, SON, and NAQS demonstrate that with dedication and commitment to reform, government agencies can positively impact the ease of doing business in Nigeria. The report also serves as a roadmap for other MDAs, encouraging them to strive for excellence and contribute to a more transparent and efficient public service delivery system.