To foster investment and improve the business climate in Nigeria, the Federal Government instituted the Ease of Doing Business Executive Order (E01) in 2017. This order serves as an executive policy directive aimed at alleviating process-related constraints within various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
This post aims to cover all the aspects of the Ease of Doing Business Executive Order, including its important constituents, outcomes, modes of implementation, lessons learned and provide a free downloadable PDF of the document.
Also see; Freedom Of Information Act 2011 (Free PDF Download)
What is the Ease Of Doing Business Executive Order (E01)?
Ease of doing Business Executive Order (E01) was signed on May 18, 2017 by Yemi Osinbajo, then the Vice President and acting President of the country. The E01 aims to:
- Enhance the efficiency of government actions
- Increase accountability
- Develop entrepreneurship
As well as empowering the MDAs to clear all “hurdles” hampering business activities to meet “Service Level Agreements”.
Objectives of the Ease Of Doing Business Executive Order
The E01 objectives target:
- Reduction of bureaucratic delay in public service agencies
- Streamlined issuance of permits and licenses
- Improved position of Nigeria in World Bank Ease of Doing Business index reviews
- Adoption of enabling frameworks for private sector participation and investment
Impact of the E01 on Nigeria’s Business Environment
From the time the E01 was issued:
- Nigeria now ranks higher on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business list.
- Company registration with CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) is more efficient.
- Business travelers have had Visa on Arrival policies streamlined.
- Services rendered by the Government through MDAs are more responsive.
How the Ease Of Doing Business Order Affects Entrepreneurs
E01 benefits Nigerian entrepreneurs through:
- – Eased business registration processes
- – Simplified tax payments and collection
- – Eased bureaucracy for governmental approvals.
- – Enhanced facilitation of trade for Importers and exporters.
Most importantly, it lessens the cost and time required to run a business, which is advantageous for SMEs and startups.
Agencies Involved in the Implementation of E01
Key government agencies tasked with implementing the E01 include:
- Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
- Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
These bodies coordinate efforts to ensure compliance with the Executive Order.
Where to Download the Ease Of Doing Business Executive Order (E01) PDF
To help business owners, students, legal practitioners, and researchers, we are offering a free PDF download of the Ease Of Doing Business Executive Order (E01).
Download the Ease of Doing Business E01 PDF Here
Key Provisions of Executive Order E01
Openness in MDAs
Every MDA is mandated to prominently display both physically and on their websites an exhaustive list of all fees, timelines, and requirements of permits, licenses, and approvals so that the public can see them and all access them without any challenges.
Default Approvals
Any application that is not approved or rejected beyond the timeline capped by the agency will automatically be deemed as approved. Acceptable reasons for rejections are obliged to be provided to the applicant. Not acting within the specified timeframe without a justified reason is considered a wrongful act, for which disciplinary actions will follow.
One Government Approach
Where an MDA requires a document from another MDA in order to serve an applicant, it is the MDA making the request that must go through the process of verification or certification from the issuing MDA, not the applicant. The Service Level Agreements (SLA) established between MDAs and citizens shall be obligatory to and mandatory towards the MDAs.
Entry Experience of Travelers and Visitors
Ordinary tourist and business visas will now be provided within 48 hours. There shall be no touting at the airports. The various agencies at the airports shall integrate the departure and arrival interfaces and eliminate any existing silos.
Port Operations
All agencies present at the ports shall harmonize their operations into one single interface station in one location in the port and implemented by a single joint task force at all times. The Apapa port shall resume 24-hour operations within 30 days of the issuance of this order.
Registration of Businesses
The process of registering businesses shall be simplified to reduce the time and cost involved. This includes streamlining procedures and eliminating unnecessary requirements.
Role of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)
PEBEC, chaired by the Vice President, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of E01. The council collaborates with MDAs to ensure adherence to the directives and to monitor progress. PEBEC also engages with the private sector to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to the reforms
Conclusion
The Executive Order E01 facilitates improvement in the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria; It’s a step taken in the right direction to improve starting and running a business in Nigeria. As most issues are still being resolved, the steps taken so far are a testament to Nigeria’s efforts to accommodate constructive change for the better.
To stay updated about policies regarding business in Nigeria, it’s important to track the progress of different ongoing reforms. Get the complete report on the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) website.
With the latest reforms being made to the Nigerian economy, it is important to get yourself ready. Whether you are conducting research, expanding an existing business or starting a new one: All citizens must embrace the changes being introduced with the E01 document available for download as a free PDF.