Our Reforms Will Solve 80% of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges – Shettima

 Vice President Kashim Shettima declared on May 24, 2025, during a governance summit in Abuja, that the Tinubu administration’s reforms are poised to resolve 80% of Nigeria’s bureaucratic challenges, which have long hindered economic growth and public service delivery.

Shettima cited initiatives like the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the digitization of government processes as key to streamlining operations, reducing red tape, and improving transparency.

The reforms include the automation of business registration, tax administration, and port clearance, which have historically been plagued by delays and corruption. Shettima highlighted the reduction in business registration time from 30 days to 48 hours and the introduction of e-governance platforms in ministries as evidence of progress. He also pointed to the ongoing review of Nigeria’s trade and investment strategies, aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness, as part of a broader effort to make Nigeria a business-friendly destination.

Skeptics argue that bureaucratic challenges, rooted in entrenched interests and inadequate infrastructure, require more than policy changes to address fully. Civil servants have expressed concerns about capacity gaps and resistance to digital adoption. Shettima acknowledged these hurdles but emphasized the government’s commitment to training and stakeholder engagement. The claim of resolving 80% of challenges has set a high benchmark, with analysts urging measurable outcomes to sustain public trust. The reforms are critical to Nigeria’s ambition to attract foreign investment and improve governance efficiency.