Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments, federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the organised private sector to intensify efforts in advancing Nigeria’s business environment.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Gala and Awards Night, he acknowledged the year’s successes as a “triumph of collaboration over silos”.
He stressed that the collective commitment of all 36 states, MDAs, and other stakeholders is necessary for national success.
READ ALSO: “Press freedom non-negotiable under Tinubu administration” – Shettima assures journalists
Shettima’s charge to the attendees—gathered to celebrate exceptional public service delivery and reform excellence—was a call for sustained momentum.
“The end of this night does not signal the end of your pursuit of excellence because excellence is a culture, not an event”, he stated.
He urged stakeholders to work towards building a nation where efficiency is normal, where transparency is routine, and where excellence is the governing creed of public service.
Shettima credited President Bola Tinubu for laying the “critical foundation for the reforms required to reset our economy”, noting that the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda now rests on the awardees and public servants driving the changes.
Shettima highlighted that PEBEC has spent the past years championing reforms aimed at making it easier to do business and restoring investor confidence.
He cited the establishment of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC) as a successful example of interagency collaboration, noting that it is “already bearing significant fruit through joint inspection procedures at” the ports.
Earlier in the evening, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia, reminded stakeholders that the task of transforming Nigeria’s business environment is “far from over.”
The Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, outlined the agency’s achievements, which reflect the “depth of partnership established and nurtured” with critical stakeholders.
The highlight of the Gala and Awards Night was the unveiling of the 2025 Business Facilitation Act (BFA) Compliance Report and the Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report.
READ ALSO: Shettima says Tinubu administration increases education budget to ₦3.5trn
Various awards were presented, including categories such as access to justice, legislative trailblazer, leadership of action, and business advocacy and partnership.
Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai; Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa; and various heads of federal agencies and parastatals.
