Business/Economy
PEBEC's online feedback tool fails functionality test, raises concerns over policy delivery
Written By: Alaba Lambert
02 Nov 2025 01:59 PM
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has uncovered significant shortcomings in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)'s online feedback management tool, launched in 2019 to enhance policy delivery and public engagement.
A recent test by FIJ revealed that the platform, intended to streamline feedback from Nigerian businesses, is plagued by a non-functional submit button, casting doubt on the government's commitment to improving the business environment.
PEBEC, established in 2016 under the Nigerian presidency to ease business operations through reforms, introduced the online tool as a key mechanism for gathering stakeholder input and tracking policy implementation.
The platform was designed to complement the council's regulatory reform program, which began in 2017 following feedback from the 5th Presidential Quarterly Business Forum. However, FIJ’s investigation found the tool ineffective, with the submit button rendering it unusable for submitting feedback.
The failure has reignited debates about the efficiency of e-governance initiatives in Nigeria, a challenge highlighted in a 2015 ResearchGate study on e-government adoption barriers in the public service.
PEBEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and vice-chaired by Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, oversees a board that includes key figures like the Governor of the Central Bank and representatives from the private sector.
The council’s Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) is tasked with implementing its reform agenda across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Yet, the malfunctioning tool suggests a disconnect between policy intent and execution.
FIJ’s findings align with broader concerns about e-government readiness in Nigeria, where technical and administrative hurdles have historically limited digital service delivery.
A recent test by FIJ revealed that the platform, intended to streamline feedback from Nigerian businesses, is plagued by a non-functional submit button, casting doubt on the government's commitment to improving the business environment.
PEBEC, established in 2016 under the Nigerian presidency to ease business operations through reforms, introduced the online tool as a key mechanism for gathering stakeholder input and tracking policy implementation.
The platform was designed to complement the council's regulatory reform program, which began in 2017 following feedback from the 5th Presidential Quarterly Business Forum. However, FIJ’s investigation found the tool ineffective, with the submit button rendering it unusable for submitting feedback.
The failure has reignited debates about the efficiency of e-governance initiatives in Nigeria, a challenge highlighted in a 2015 ResearchGate study on e-government adoption barriers in the public service.
PEBEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and vice-chaired by Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, oversees a board that includes key figures like the Governor of the Central Bank and representatives from the private sector.
The council’s Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) is tasked with implementing its reform agenda across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Yet, the malfunctioning tool suggests a disconnect between policy intent and execution.
FIJ’s findings align with broader concerns about e-government readiness in Nigeria, where technical and administrative hurdles have historically limited digital service delivery.
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