News
Business regulatory framework launched amid N22.6 trillion investments in Nigeria
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima has launched Nigeria’s Regulatory Impact (NRI) analysis framework conducted by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment, which revealed a total investment of $15 billion or N22.6 trillion from 51 companies operating in the country.
The launch which was done at the 2nd round table meeting has shown that PEBEC already has 180 verifiable business projects, a laudable testament to its mandate.
The Vice President was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hadeja, who said PEBEC was established in 2023 to oversee the Nigerian business environment and remains a top priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
Addressing the national and international stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the newly appointed Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment (PEBEC) Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, while presenting the recent survey conducted on foreign investors operating in Nigeria thanked the immediate past Director General and Minister of Trade and Investment for doing a remarkable job in the ease of doing businesses in Nigeria.
She said, the moment marked a pivotal one in the collective journey to building a globally competitive, prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria. One where investors and businesses thrive, innovation flourishes, and regulations are clear.
The Director General said, to move PEBEC from the point where it is, it was imperative to recall the Council’s core mandate which is removing obstacles and create friendly business environment for investors through policy formulation.
She said: “The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council was borne out of a process in need to address long-standing obstacles to doing business in Nigeria. The Council’s core mandate has been clear and unwavering to remove the constraints to doing business and to foster a business-friendly climate through legislative, administrative, and policy-driven reforms.
PEBEC SURVEY REPORT 2025 edit (1)
“Over the years, PEBEC has delivered over 200 board reforms across various sectors. As we chart our way forward in 2025, our focus would still be around our six strategic, workstreams, each of which have been crucial in sustaining the progress that PEBEC has made to date.
“Today’s launch of the Regulatory Impact Analysis Framework, which is the core mandate of our regulatory reforms, exemplifies our commitment to creating a robust and predictable regulatory environment. This framework will ensure that all the new regulations undergo comprehensive assessment to evaluate the economic, social, and environmental impact, minimizing unnecessary hurdles on businesses while safeguarding public interests.
“Our effort at the subnational level through the State Action Plans for Enabling Business Reforms, SABR program, continues to set a new benchmark for state-level performance. With $750 million, in funding support co-designed with the World Bank, SABR incentivizes states to implement reforms that directly impact SMEs, create jobs, and attract investment.
“Public-private dialogue remains key for us, as our reforms are only as effective as their implementation and perception. Through strategic engagements like today’s forum, we are building trust, ensuring stakeholders are ahead, and sharing Nigeria’s progress with global business communities.
“Your Excellency, distinguished guests, foreign direct investment remains the lifeblood of any emerging country seeking for rapid growth, job creation, and technology transfer. FDI is particularly crucial for Nigeria as we embark on this journey to diversify our economy, reduce our reliance on oil revenue, and unlock the full potential of our human capital, and natural resources.
“However, to attract FDI, we must retain our existing investors. We must continue to streamline our regulatory processes. However, to attract and retain FDI, we must continue to streamline our regulatory processes.
“With the launch of the RIA Framework, we are creating a predictable, transparent, and business-friendly regulatory environment that minimizes complexity and complexity. client’s hurdles.
“By collaborating with local and international institutions, we can bridge the infrastructure gap to enhance productivity and reduce the cost for doing business. PEBEC will continue to catalyze these changes, working closely with stakeholders across government, business, and civil society to ensure that Nigeria becomes the investment destination of choice in Africa.”
Speaking for their various States, the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, his Benue State counterpart, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia and the Deputy Governor of Osun called on investors to look the way of their States, pointing out that there were investment opportunities available across all sectors.
Both Alia and Mbah reeled out measures their States have put in place to ensure safety of investors and their citizens, noting that their arms are open to receive foreign investors partnering their administration to advance the cause of subnational development.
The launch which was well attended has the Executive Governor of Benue State, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, the Central Bank Governor, the Vice Chair of PEBEC, and the Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, the Executive Secretary of NIPC, Heads of Departments and Agencies, Presidents of Business Councils and Chambers here present, Captains of Industry, Members of the Diplomatic Corp in attendance.
Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh has denied his involvement with 42 other Senators who received $10,000 each to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers, saying he was absent from Wednesday’s meeting where the money was allegedly shared.
He reacted to viral allegation that Senators received $10,000 each to support the state of emergency in Rivers in the red Chamber, when the motion comes for ratification.
His denial was contained in a statement on Friday, where he distanced himself from Senators who shared the money, insisting that he was not among the 42 senators who collected $10,000 the previous day in order to pass the state of emergency resolution.
According to him, he came out to clear his name because reports in the media suggested that he was the one that coordinated the meeting along another Senator where each of them was offered $10,000, insisting that he wasn’t in that meeting and never benefitted from the bribe for support.
“I did not receive any money to support the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” Umeh stated.
Umeh explained that on the evening of Tuesday, he attended the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fasting) gathering at the Senate Guest House with their Muslim brothers and sisters, where he was asked to say the Christian prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero said the Muslim prayers after the IFTAR.
”I prayed for God to grant peace to all parts of Nigeria and reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State.
“I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another, for the good of our nation.”
“We did not discuss the State of Emergency in Rivers State at the IFTAR.”
“There were other Labour Party Senators at the IFTAR.”
Dismissing the allegations as backmail, the senator, assured his constituents that such reports would not distract him from providing good Representation, adding that the aim of the detractors was to create disaffection between him and the people and impugn his reputation.
He vowed that “I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity.”
Twelve persons have been arrested by officers of Kaduna State Police Command in connection with attack on a mosque which killed a worshipper during the Tahajjud prayer at Rigasa, in the Igabi Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement by the Command on Friday by the Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said hoodlums’ attack on the mosque led to the death of a worshipper.
The statement noted that, “On 21st March 2025, at about 0200 hours, the police received a distress call from a m
concerned citizen, reporting that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshippers performing Tahajjud prayer at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasa, Kaduna.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to the scene in an attempt to apprehend the suspects.
“However, before their arrival, the assailants had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, a 23-year-old victim, with a sharp knife. Despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries hours later and was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.”
In response, the police swiftly apprehended twelve suspects who confessed to having participated in the attack and recovered several weapons from them.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure justice is served.
rom engaging in these criminal activities, stating that they will face the full weight of the law if caught.
News
Oyo College of Nursing matriculates 147 students as Governor Makinde urge students to uphold ethics
The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, on Friday, held its second matriculation ceremony, with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the special guest of honour.
The event was held at the main auditorium of the College at Eleyele, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu said the future of healthcare in Nigeria has taken a significant step forward with the intake of 147 new students of nursing program.
“This matriculation ceremony, marking the college’s second for the national diploma program, is a significant milestone for these aspiring nurses as they began their journey to become healthcare professionals”, he said.
He congratulated the matriculants, encouraged them to embrace every lesson with an open mind, and shun examination malpractices.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of resilience in the nursing profession, urging them to uphold the college’s high standards of virtue and ethical conduct.
The Governor further reiterated his administration’s committment to the education system in Oyo state, especially the nursing education.
He commended the Provost and the college’s staff for their dedication to fostering excellence, noting the significant progress made by them to elevate the college to its new heights.
In her speech, the Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi also extended her congratulations to the students, urging them adhere to the college’s rules, and strive to be ambassadors for the institution.
She said, “Let me remind you, our matriculation students, that you are now ambassadors of this great institution. Let excellence be your watchword, and may you go on to make remarkable contributions to the Nursing profession and society at large.”
She encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The Provost said the Oyo state College of Nursing and Midwifery stands as a beacon of academic excellence, committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses who will make a difference in the world.
She also said, “our curriculum is designed to equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding essential for success in the nursing profession.”
Dr. Owolabi praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering supports and commitment to the development of the institution. 
She pointed at the avalanche of approvals and infrastructural advancements granted to the college under Makinde’s administration.
The Director, Nursing Services, Dr. Arinade Oyebode enjoined the students to get acquainted with the ethics of Nursing profession.
She also encouraged them to study hard, while they put God first in their academic activities.
A Professor of Nursing from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Chizoma Ndikom encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The event was filled with excitement and anticipation as a new student, Islamiat Lawal was rewarded by the Commissioner, the Provost, and other guests for her adherence to punctuality.
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