Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), is at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic transformation. With a mandate to improve the business environment, Princess Zahrah has spearheaded initiatives that simplify regulatory processes, reduce bureaucracy, and increase access to finance for entrepreneurs and businesses.

Under her leadership, PEBEC has implemented reforms that have significantly improved Nigeria’s business landscape. From streamlining company registration processes to enhancing investor confidence, Princess Zahrah’s vision for a thriving business ecosystem is becoming a reality.

Through impactful initiatives and strategic reforms, PEBEC is driving business growth, creating jobs, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development. Princess Zahrah’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment has earned her recognition as a champion of economic reform in Nigeria.

With her expertise and passion for economic development, Princess Zahrah continues to lead PEBEC’s efforts to make Nigeria an attractive destination for investment and business growth. Her leadership is shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy, one reform at a time.

Feb 13th
The PEBEC DG engaged with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s ICT and Communication Industry at the Future of Connectivity event, hosted by the Embassies of Finland, Sweden, and the USA in Abuja.

Feb 19th
The DG of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and his team paid a working visit to the PEBEC Secretariat.

Feb 20th
The PEBEC DG received the CEO/MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho (PhD) and his team on a working visit to the PEBEC Secretariat.

Feb 20th
The PEBEC DG received the CEO/MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho (PhD) and his team on a working visit to the PEBEC Secretariat.

Feb 21st
PEBEC DG met with key stakeholders from the World Bank, Office of the Vice President, Nigeria Ports Authority, and members of the Diplomatic Corps to strengthen partnership and discuss business reforms that improve Nigeria’s business environment.

Feb 25th
The recently concluded State Action for Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Sensitization Workshop brought together key stakeholders to advance business enabling reforms across the 36 states and FCT in Nigeria.

The PEBEC Secretariat Team facilitated key learning sessions on different disbursement link indicators (DLIs) to strengthen States’ delivery of the SABER program.

Feb 25th
PEBEC DG met with the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @official_bto, to discuss the Visa on Arrival (VOA) process. The Minister reaffirmed that the VOA is not being scrapped but upgraded to improve efficiency and ease of access.

March 5th
The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Event brought together key stakeholders in the Ports & Logistics ecosystem with the PEBEC DG @princesszahrahma engaging in a panel discussion where she reaffirmed PEBEC’s commitment to eliminating trade bottlenecks and improving port efficiency.

March 5th
The PEBEC DG @princesszahrahma met with Lagos Business School (LBS) to discuss potential areas of collaboration on upcoming initiatives.

She also visited A.P. Moller-Maersk (APM) Terminals to inspect port operations, and discuss key public-private collaboration to enhance service delivery and streamline operations at the Ports.

These engagements reaffirm PEBEC’s commitment to deliver impactful reforms that will improve Nigeria’s business environment.

March 7th
The MD/CEO of Tolaram and Duffil Ltd paid a courtesy visit to the PEBEC Secretariat to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at supporting our mandate to improve the business environment in Nigeria.

March 7th
The World Bank team paid a working visit to the PEBEC Secretariat to discuss the State Action for Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program.

The discussion centered on the roadmap for the upcoming SABER progress review, reinforcing our commitment to driving impactful business climate reforms at the subnational level through our support to the states.

March 7th
The World Bank team paid a working visit to the PEBEC Secretariat to discuss the State Action for Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program.

The discussion centered on the roadmap for the upcoming SABER progress review, reinforcing our commitment to driving impactful business climate reforms at the subnational level through our support to the states.

March 10th
The PEBEC DG held a strategic meeting with the Solar Energies Manufacturers Alliance on strengthening certification around renewable energy imports and government policies supporting local solar energy production.

The DG also met with 3M+ and Galaxy Backbone to discuss key initiatives aimed at improving digital access to government services portal and enhancing business operations.

March 12th
The Nigeria-China Business Bilateral Trade and Investment Summit toward Legislative Agenda on Ease of Doing Business organized by the House Committee Chairman on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, Federal House of Representatives Member, brought together key business stakeholders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

At the Summit, the PEBEC DG gave a goodwill address, emphasizing the need to align legislative reforms with business facilitation priorities to create a stable and investor responsive business environment.

She also reaffirmed PEBEC’s commitment to digitizing public services and improving transparency in government processes to accelerate business reforms.

March 13th
The Nigeria-China Business Bilateral Trade and Investment Summit toward Legislative Agenda on Ease of Doing Business organized by the House Committee Chairman on Nigeria-China Relations,Hon. Jaffaru Yakubu, Federal House of Representatives member brought together key business stakeholders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

At the Summit, the PEBEC DG gave a goodwill address, emphasizing the need to align legislative reforms with business facilitation priorities to create a stable and investor responsive business environment.

She also reaffirmed PEBEC’s commitment to digitizing public services and improving transparency in government processes to accelerate business reforms.

March 17th
The PEBEC DG @princesszahrahma met with the National Single Window (NSW) Project team to discuss PEBEC’s role in the successful implementation of the NSW project.

The NSW is an electronic one-stop portal designed to streamline trade facilitation by providing a single-entry point for submitting standardized import and export documentation.

PEBEC remains committed to actively supporting reforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

March 18th
The PEBEC DG received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunha and his team on a working visit to the PEBEC Secretariat.

The Ambassador highlighted the progress being made in improving Nigeria’s business environment and its impact on strengthening bilateral relationships between China and Nigeria.

March 19th
The Trademarks Director/Registrar, Mr Shafiu Adamu Yauri (mni) and his team paid a courtesy visit to the PEBEC DG, to provide an update on recent developments, activities, and new initiatives by the Trademarks Registry.

The engagement provided an opportunity to explore areas of collaboration to further enhance intellectual property processes and administration for greater efficiency and business growth in Nigeria.

March 19th
The PEBEC DG @princesszahrahma joined a distinguished panel discussion with key industry leaders and policymakers at the International Women’s Day Conference, hosted by Mr. Abba Bello, The MD of NEXIM Bank and Hon. Stella Oketete, ED of Business Development, NEXIM Bank.

The conference themed “For all Women and Girls” focused on advancing women’s rights, equality, and empowering women in business.

March 20th
The Divisional Head, Strategy and Research, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Isa Omagu and his team paid a courtesy visit to the PEBEC DG.

The engagement centered on collaborative initiatives for MSMEs with a keen focus on digital economy, climate action, infrastructure, gender-specific programs, and regulatory compliance for small and medium-sized businesses.

March 21st
Jumia Nigeria’s CEO, Sunil Natraj, and Regional Head of PR, Robert Awodu, paid a courtesy visit to the PEBEC DG with the engagement highlighting the e-commerce sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s business environment.

The conversation centered on the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses and insights on how an enabling business environment can further support the growth of the e-commerce industry.

The PEBEC DG reassured the Jumia team of PEBEC’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment that enhances digital commerce in Nigeria.

March 24th
The PEBEC DG delivered a keynote address at the flag-off ceremony of the Nigeria Immigration Service (@nigimmigration) Sensitization Campaign on Increased Digitization and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services, hosted by the Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi N. Nandap.

She commended the NIS for its dedication to leveraging technology and innovation to enhance service delivery.

The DG emphasized PEBEC’s commitment to supporting MDAs in adopting digital solutions that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s public service.

March 25th
Following ongoing stakeholder engagements on the recent amendments to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) Act, the DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma met with the FRCN @frcabuja , led by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, to analyze the provisions of the Act.

The discussion focused on understanding the Act’s expanded definition of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) along with revised fee structures to ensure the continued delivery of progressive initiatives for the business community in Nigeria.

The DG reaffirmed PEBEC’s committment to engaging stakeholders to ensure that regulatory reforms support a transparent, business friendly environment in Nigeria.

March 25th
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Al-Shamsi, and his team paid a courtesy visit to the PEBEC DG.

The discussions focused on strengthening business initiatives between Nigeria and the UAE with the Ambassador reassuring the DG of the UAE’s commitment to supporting PEBEC in the delivery of its ease of doing business mandate.

March 26th
The DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma had a productive meeting with Obetek Technology Ltd, led by Mr. Abdultalib S. Musa, to explore innovative IT solutions.

The proposed solutions aim to support PEBEC’s objectives by improving operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, driving automation, and enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

March 26th
Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone @galaxybackbone, and his team paid a courtesy visit to the DG PEBEC.

Opportunities for collaboration were explored, with a focus on harnessing technology to drive business enabling reforms and enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

March 27th
Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) Act, the DG PEBEC met with representatives of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

The meeting provided an opportunity to address organized private sector concerns regarding the FRCN amended Act, understanding the Act’s expanded definition of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) along with revised fee structures.

March 27th
Mr. Terhemen Johnpaul the Executive Secretary, Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA) paid a working visit to the DG PEBEC, to discuss strengthening Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) at the subnational level and advancing business enabling reforms in Benue State.

The discussion aligns with the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) initiative which is aimed at strengthening the business environment at the State Level.

March 31st
The DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma participated in the Quarterly Chamber Meeting and Induction Ceremony of the Nigerian Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), themed “Unlocking Business Opportunities between Nigeria and Indonesia for the 21st Century.”

The event Highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Indonesia by fostering a more predictable, efficient, and competitive business environment.

The DG PEBEC In her remarks, highlighted PEBEC’s ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining trade procedures, reducing regulatory bottlenecks, and leveraging digital transformation for improved trade facilitation in Nigeria.

April 7th
The DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma had a high-level engagement with Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD/CEO, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), alongside their team, to discuss feedback from the private sector on the proposed taxation of Free Trade Zones in the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024.

The discussions centered on the potential impact of the proposed tax provisions on investor confidence, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, and Nigeria’s business environment.

April 8th
The DG PEBEC had a strategic meeting with H.E. Mohsen Antit, the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, alongside Eruba Chris , Representative of Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC).

Discussions centered around the Financing Investment and Trade in Africa (FITA) Forum 2025 with emphasis on collaborations across key sectors such as agricultural processing, energy, tourism, ICT, and healthcare.

April 9th
The DG PEBEC met with the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, @taiwoyedele and his team to discuss private sector feedback regarding the proposed Nigerian Tax Bill, especially the Free Zones Tax Reforms.

The engagement provided a platform for meaningful dialogue aimed at ensuring that the tax reforms are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment.

April 10th

The DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma met with Igor van den Essen, Regional Managing Director for Africa & Europe at APM Terminals, and his team to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s port operations, as well as plans to increase investments at the Apapa Port.

The DG assured them of PEBEC’s commitment to addressing the identified challenges and fostering a an enabling environment for port-related investments in Nigeria .

April 16th
The PEBEC DG led a high-level stakeholder delegation on an interactive investment engagement to Benue State, hosted by the Benue Investment Promotion Agency. @benipa_benue

The delegation had the following people in attendance:

  • Honourable Jaafaru Yakubu, House of Representatives Chairman of the Nigeria-China Bilateral relations
  • Mr. Florent Mangin, Head of Regional Economic Department (Nigeria-Ghana), France Embassy, Department of Trade @nigeriaenfrance
  • Mr Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services of IHS
  • Mr Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria @jumianigeria
  • Mr. Ishmael Balogun, @mrgoldmineglobal President of the Nigerian Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) @niccinigeria
  • Mr. Mobolaji Durodola, CEO of Quaint Energy & Infrastructure
  • Chinese Chamber of Commerce
  • Chinese Investors from China Zhongni Investment Ltd, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, LongRiver Mining Co. Ltd, and Pure BioTech Company Limited.

The investment session was geared at unlocking opportunities and driving investments for economic growth in Benue State.

April 17th
The PEBEC Retreat for Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) brought together Agency Heads from 69 MDAs, key stakeholders in government, members of the diplomatic corps, and business environment collaborators for a high-level engagement.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia reminded agency heads on the important need to strengthen interagency collaboration, eliminate duplication, and improve the experience of every Nigerian and investor who interacts with government.

April 18th
The PEBEC Retreat for Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) brought together Agency Heads from 69 MDAs, key stakeholders in government, members of the diplomatic corps, and business environment collaborators for a high-level engagement.

The retreat featured special keynotes with learning experiences from MDAs such as Ministry of Interior, @minofinteriorng, Nigerian Ports Authority @nigerianports, Nigeria Immigration Service @nigimmigration and Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority @ogfza, along with capacity-building sessions by the Lagos Business School @lbsnigeria.

Representatives of the British High Commission and World Bank were also in attendance to support the various sessions at the retreat.

April 18th
DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma led a high-level delegation on an investment engagement to Benue State, hosted by the Benue Investment Promotion Agency.

Representatives from Jumia, IHS, NICCI, Quaint Energy, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and other key stakeholders were in attendance to explore investment opportunities and drive economic growth in the state.

April 23rd
Exciting News for Tech in Peruse: After a successful visit by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) alongside IHS, a leading communications infrastructure expert, the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Alia has waived the Right of Way fees for telecom infrastructure in Benue State.

This move is set to boost digital infrastructure development, attract investments, and enhance connectivity in the state.

Kudos to the Governor and PEBEC for creating a conducive environment for tech growth

By waiving these fees, Governor Alia is demonstrating his commitment to creating a conducive environment for tech growth and innovation in Benue State. This decision will likely have a significant impact on the state’s broadband penetration, aligning with the national goal of 90% broadband penetration by 2025.

April 24th
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) hosted the Inaugural Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC) Meeting at the NPA HQ.

The PCEC brought together key stakeholders across government and private sector to proffer efficient solutions to improve efficiency and turnaround time for cargo imports/exports, increase transparency and accountability in port operations, and provide better coordination among all stakeholders involved in port operations.

April 29
The DG PEBEC @princesszahrahma convened the inaugural meeting of the Food and Beverage Service Optimisation Committee (FBSOC) at the PEBEC HQ.

The committee is tasked with fostering greater collaboration among key regulators, reducing time to market for food and beverage products, lowering the cost of compliance for businesses, and enhancing consumer trust in product quality and safety.

The meeting brought together the DG, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke;
DG, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye; and
CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello, as well as senior representatives from SON, NAFDAC, and FCCPC to align on a strategic roadmap for improving service delivery, and driving coordinated reforms in the food and beverage sector.

April 30
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Also present at the meeting was the PEBEC DG, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, who joined the Vice President in welcoming the Ambassador and his delegation.

In his remarks during the meeting with the EU Ambassador, the Vice President reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to a strategic partnership with the European Union, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to open its first West African office in Lagos.

Nigeria officially became the EBRD’s 77th shareholder in February 2025, following the bank’s limited and incremental expansion to sub-Saharan Africa approved by its Board of Governors in 2023.

He praised the EU’s longstanding support, highlighting the growing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and youth empowerment.

May 15
The DG PEBEC paid a working visit to the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to discuss ongoing business climate initiatives.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) Act 2023 (amended) along with the impact of the proposed tax reforms on the free trade zones.

The visit also served to strengthen collaboration with the House of Representatives toward institutionalizing key business climate reforms and enhancing interagency collaboration through key legislation to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.