Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday urged stakeholders to build a business environment that fosters innovation, creativity and productivity aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s eight point agenda.

Shettima made the call during the PEBEC Town Hall Meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also implored members of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council as well as ministries, departments and agencies to prioritize the dreams of all Nigerians who aspire to grow their businesses.

“Our success is not merely a matter of policy but is measured by its impact, from the small-time trader in Kafanchan to the large corporation on Lagos Island”, he said.

The meeting followed the successful completion of the 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan.

The Vice President noted that no matter the depth of the reforms introduced, the government will fail to achieve its goals unless MDAs function at their best and align seamlessly with the agenda of the Tinubu administration.

He described the PEBEC town hall meeting as a rescue mission for a country that has saddled its citizens with the critical role of creating an environment where every idea can germinate into an enduring business.

He said: “Our success is not merely a matter of policy but is measured by its impact, from the small-time trader in Kafanchan to the large corporation on Lagos Island.

“Today, I feel the pulse of our collective desire to make this objective a reality.”Shettima urged all stakeholders, especially the MDAs, to build on the gains of the past 120 days with a sense of urgency and purpose, as they reflect on the measurable outcomes of the Regulatory Reform Accelerator.

“Imploring them to continue to improve Nigeria’s business environment through timely feedback, rigorous monitoring, and shared responsibility.

“We are the vehicles of the promises made by President Bola Tinubu.“The Regulatory Reform Accelerator is an avenue to inject life into our economy and renew the hope of our nation.

“The quality of your ideas and the intensity of your energy today are the very sparks we need to stay on track and to always remind ourselves of the burden of expectations upon us.

“We must align with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and ensure that our pursuit of a business environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and productivity is built upon the pillars of the eight-point agenda.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President PEBEC and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, while responding to questions posed by some participants in the town hall meeting, assured that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring steady improvements in the country’s business environment.

She attributed the progress made so far in the reform process largely to the personal commitment, unwavering support and overall leadership of Vice President Shettima, even as she identified his approval for a 30-day extension of Regulatory Reform Accelerator as a milestone in the reform efforts.

Recognize the exceptional contributions of some key performers in enhancing Nigeria’s business environment, she said: “The Most Consistent Agency: Nigerian Export-Import Bank (this agency headed by Mr Abba Bello) was in the top three for 90 of the 120 days.

“Most Improved Agency: Nigeria Customs Service (Headed by Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi) moved from 9.7% as at day 90 to 100% by the end of the 30 day extension.

“Most Committed with the Most Activities: Nigerian Ports Authority (Headed by Mohammed Bello-Koko) had 63 activities in total – the highest number of activities on the RRA and completed all activities with a 100% score.

“Team Consistency & Quality Delivery (Exemplary Team of BFA Committee Members): Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

“The first Agency to reach the 100% mark “our first among equals” Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari)

“The overall best performing Ministry: Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy (Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola) Demonstrated exceptional leadership by pulling together all the heads of agencies under his ministry with a clear mandate to deliver all reforms under the ministry’s purview and they did.”