The Federal Government has directed ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to suspend the rollout of new policies and regulations pending full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework, in a move aimed at strengthening policy coordination and improving the business environment.

The directive was announced on Tuesday by the Director of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, who said the decision is intended to enhance regulatory quality and prevent policy inconsistencies that could affect businesses, investors and citizens.

According to Audu, all MDAs are required to pause the introduction of new policies, regulations or major regulatory changes until they align fully with the RIA Framework, which was formally implemented in January 2025. She noted that the framework has already been circulated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to guide evidence-based policymaking across government institutions.

She explained that the directive seeks to prevent policy shocks, reduce frequent reversals in government decisions, and promote transparency and predictability in regulatory processes. It is also expected to strengthen stakeholder engagement before policies are implemented.

Under the directive, MDAs must suspend any planned policy rollouts not yet implemented and ensure that all proposals introduced after January 2025 are supported by a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Analysis and receive the required approvals.

Audu added that agencies are expected to integrate the RIA process into their internal policy formulation procedures and may seek technical guidance from the PEBEC Secretariat where necessary.

She said exceptions to the directive would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest and subject to appropriate approval, stressing that compliance is essential to building a stable, consistent and investor-friendly regulatory environment that supports sustainable economic growth.