Vice President Kashim Shettima has challenged state governments, federal agencies and private-sector institutions to elevate their commitment to reform, insisting that Nigeria’s economic progress depends on stronger, more deliberate cooperation across all tiers.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Gala and Awards Night, Senator Shettima said the reform milestones achieved this year reflected “the triumph of collaboration over silos,” adding that Nigeria advances fastest when its institutions “work in harmony rather than isolation.”
He reminded participants that excellence in public service must be nurtured continuously.
“The end of this night does not signal the end of your pursuit of excellence. Excellence is a culture, not an event.
“In the coming year, we must redouble our efforts to refine Nigeria’s business environment. Let us build a nation where efficiency is the norm, transparency is routine, and excellence defines public service,” he said.
The Vice President stressed that institutions mirror the people who drive them, adding that excellence “cannot thrive in a vacuum” and must be cultivated through discipline and ambition.
He said the awards night was designed to honour those who still believe that public service should exemplify the highest standards.
Shettima reiterated that President Bola Tinubu had laid the groundwork for the structural reforms needed to reset the economy, insisting that the success of those efforts rests heavily on the diligence of the officials recognised at the event.
“Your work embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda. You represent the backbone of our national prosperity,” he said.
He praised public servants who, in his words, “have refused to accept mediocrity as Nigeria’s ceiling,” acknowledging the contributions of those propelling PEBEC’s work to simplify business operations, reassure investors and strengthen institutional performance.
He pointed to advances already recorded through the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee, particularly improvements in joint inspection procedures at the ports.
Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said PEBEC had continued to introduce reforms that were steadily improving business operations across multiple sectors.
He added, however, that the task of transforming the business landscape remained extensive, with this year’s progress forming the basis for even deeper reforms.
PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Audu, detailed achievements recorded through deliberate collaboration across ministries and agencies, describing reform as an embedded and essential element of the council’s service delivery.
Audu announced the depth of partnerships built under the current administration had played a significant role in the year’s outcomes.
The event featured the unveiling of the 2025 Business Facilitation Act Compliance Report and the Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report.
Awards were presented in several categories, including access to justice, legislative innovation, leadership in action, business advocacy and partnership.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Dr Sam Ode, Deputy Governor of Benue State; Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, Deputy Governor of Enugu State; NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa; the heads of major regulatory agencies; diplomats; and leading figures from the private sector.
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