THE Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with the agencies under it, was on Friday described as the overall best performing ministry in the Ease-of-Doing-Business ranking.
This was revealed at the town hall meeting conveyed by the Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.
According to her, the town hall meeting, chaired by the Vice President, Senator KashimShettima, was organised to receive an update of the report on Regulatory Reform Accelerator (RRA) in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda and prioritising business climate reforms.
She further noted that the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola had summoned a meeting of the heads of agencies under his watch and charged them that he “wanted the ministry to come top and today he’s made it. The minister deserves a special recognition and applause.”
She particularly honoured the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Safety Administration (NIMASA), NEXIM Bank, Nigerian Custom Service (NSC), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services amongst others who achieved 100 percent benchmark.
Speaking at the occasion, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the meeting was not a talk show; “it is a rescue mission for a nation that entrusts each of us with the critical role of creating an environment where every idea can germinate into an enduring business.
“Our success is not merely a matter of policy but is measured by its impact, from the small-time trader in Kafanchan to the large corporation on Lagos Island. Today, I feel the pulse of our collective desire to make this objective a reality.
“No matter the depth of the reforms we introduce, our goals will remain out of reach unless our ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) function at their best and align seamlessly with our agenda.
“I am therefore excited to share that our public sector reforms have achieved a collective score of over 80% at the beginning of the 90-Day Regulatory Reform Accelerator.”
Shettima explained that “despite a slow start, the collective commitment and actions of every Minister, Head of Agency, Reform Champion, and BFA Committee Member have significantly increased reform implementation during the 30-Day extension.
“The quality of your ideas and the intensity of your energy today are the very sparks we need to stay on track and to always remind ourselves of the burden of expectations upon us.
“As we reflect on the measurable outcomes of the Regulatory Reform Accelerator, I urge all stakeholders, particularly the MDAs, to build on the gains of the past 120 days with a sense of urgency and purpose. We must continue improving Nigeria’s business environment through timely feedback, rigorous monitoring, and shared responsibility.
“Today, we stand on a robust foundation, recognizing that achieving PEBEC’s mandate directly contributes to our shared economic prosperity as a nation.
“There is no doubt that every thriving economy draws life from the quality of reforms adopted to offer the people avenues to translate their business ideas into formidable enterprises” he stated.
Shettima noted that PEBEC is an “enabler for the MDAs in government. Our role requires a unified and collaborative effort across the council and MDAs, and we cannot afford to look away.
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