Federal Government Promises Continuous Creation Of Business Enabling Environment

The Federal Government says it will continue to create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Engr. Farouq Yabo said this at a workshop on the Implementation of Executive Orders (E.O.) 001, 002 and 003 for Heads of Servicom Units, Service wide, held in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to him, issuing Executive Orders 001, 002 and 003 to Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies, will promote transparency and efficiency in the Nigerian business environment.

“On 18th May, 2017 the then Acting President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, (SAN), issued EOs 001, 002 and 003 to MDAs to promote transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s business and ensure effective budget implementation, as well as support local content in public procurement”.

He noted that the implementation of these orders is of strategic importance to the Federal Government as the country seeks to create an enabling environment for businesses; promote transparency and efficiency; promote economic diversification; promote local industries and stimulate the growth of the national economy.

To achieve the above objectives, the Permanent Secretary buttressed that all MDAs were directed to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Executive Orders as contained in the Guidelines for Implementation and that the Orders specified various deadlines for implementation.

“MDAs are also expected to make timely returns to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and the OHCSF as it affects the functions of their respective organisations”. 

Engr. Yabo further stated that in order to drive the implementation and operationalisation of the E01 by Ministries, the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF) and the then Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) were directed by the Acting President to organize training workshops for the various officer cadres, starting with Head of Agencies.

He noted that sequel to the circulars issued by the OHCSF and the OSGF and the Inaugural Workshop held on 30th May, 2017, MDAs were mandated to submit their Operationalisation Plans (OP) to the two Offices.

“MDAs that are yet to comply with the content of the circular are expected to do so, urgently, adding that Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Agencies requiring workshops should liaise with their executing team to organise such, in clusters. 

“The Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) will patronise the MDAs currently related to the work of the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) and the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) will also assist EBES in its facilitation”. He said.

Yabo emphasised that prior to the workshops, MDAs are required to submit their OPs to the OHCSF, the OSGF and EBES, at least one week ahead, to enable the review of the documents, which should consist of the; Service Level Agreements; Customer Interface Mechanism and Communication Strategy.

The Permanent Secretary therefore added that in collaboration with the EBES and the Federal Government’s Service Compact (SERVICOM) team, the OHCSF and the OSGF will track and rank MDAs on their levels of E01 compliance.

Olusola Akintonde