PEBEC Enhances Accountability in Nigerian MDAs

The federal government has intensified efforts to enforce accountability and improve efficiency across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as stated during the MDA High-Level Strategic Engagement and Press Briefing in Abuja. The event, themed “MDA Data Collection and Harmonisation,” involved key stakeholders discussing institutional performance and reform implementation.

Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the director-general of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), presented findings from the Business Environment Enhancement Programme Accelerator (BEEPA), noting that 16 MDAs had fully implemented assessed reforms. However, recent mystery shopping exercises indicated a decline in responsiveness post-monitoring, raising concerns about sustainable compliance.

Audu stressed the importance of ongoing performance beyond assessments, with accountability reinforced through continuous monitoring and transparent reporting. The Federal Ministry of Finance will consider agencies' responsiveness and service delivery in its engagements.

PEBEC plans to use various mechanisms, including mystery shopping and real-time tracking, to ensure MDAs remain accountable throughout the year.