The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council is set to establish commercial courts and subnational councils as part of efforts to improve the country’s business climate.

PEBEC noted the establishment of a nationwide presence was central to its 2025 work plan to drive the ease of doing business chiefly through subnational reforms and commercial courts for easier business arbitration.

The Project Manager at the PEBEC Secretariat, Aimeya Okpebholo, disclosed these initiatives in a statement highlighting its 2025 Outlook document.

Okpebholo announced the introduction of a Regulatory Impact Assessment Framework as a key innovation in regulatory reforms.

She described the framework as a transformative tool that ensures regulatory decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with the country’s economic objectives.

“The RIA Framework represents a transformative step for Nigeria’s business environment,” Okpebholo said. “With its adoption, regulatory decisions will carefully evaluate their potential impact on businesses and the economy.”

She emphasised that the Council plans to establish Ease of Doing Business Councils across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to harmonise efforts at improving the business climate at every level of government.

PEBEC stressed it is prioritising the establishment of commercial courts.

“Efforts will concentrate on improving insolvency regulations, digitising Small Claims Courts, and establishing Commercial Courts to provide businesses with quick and efficient legal recourse,” Okpebholo noted.

She explained the reforms aim to boost investor confidence by ensuring businesses have access to justice in a timely and efficient manner.

PEBEC also unveiled plans to accelerate digital solutions across ministries, departments, and agencies through its Innovation and Technology strategy through enhancing platforms like the reportgov.ng portal to improve compliance, reduce rent-seeking, and promote transparency in government operations.

“Through these initiatives, PEBEC is fostering a transparent, accountable, and responsive government,” the statement added.

The Federal Government established PEBEC in 2016, and it is currently under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the Council.

The Council submitted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised the work it does as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The PEBEC 2025 Outlook document outlined the council’s commitment to retaining investments, attracting new opportunities, and improving Nigeria’s global perception as a business-friendly destination.