By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for a second year running, secured the top position in the 2023 Half-Year Executive Order 001 Compliance Ranking, making it the most transparent and efficient federal agency in Nigeria.
The NCDMB scored a remarkable 83.06 per cent in the compliance ranking, highlighting the organization’s commitment to excellence and reaffirming its position as a consistent leader among federal agencies.
It builds upon the NCDMB’s outstanding performance in 2022 when it placed as the top performer throughout the year.
Executive Order 001 (EO1), inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 18, 2017, to advance transparency and efficiency in the business environment, serves as a cornerstone for establishing policies and practices conducive to business operations. This is of particular significance for nascent start-ups and emerging enterprises as the Order dismantles bureaucratic hindrances and strengthens opportunities for players.
The report, curated by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), is predicated on a weighted composite of scores assessing the execution of efficiency and transparency directives.
PEBEC elucidates that an agency’s performance is an amalgamation of its Efficiency and Transparency measures, weighted at 70 per cent and 30 per cent of the overall score, respectively. Furthermore, it emphasizes that ministries, departments, and agencies distinguish themselves by achieving a harmonious equilibrium between efficiency and transparency.
According to the PEBEC; efficiency, a cornerstone of this evaluation, centres on an agency’s commitment to adhering to established service delivery timelines, ensuring the expeditious and effective provision of services.
Conversely, transparency, an equally critical dimension, focuses on the existence and functionality of organizational websites and the provision of exhaustive information about timelines, costs, statutory prerequisites, and customer service contact channels.
One of the primary goals of the NCDMB is to promote the participation of indigenous companies and individuals in the oil and gas industry. This includes creating opportunities for local businesses, enhancing skills and expertise among Nigerians, and ensuring that the sector benefits the nation’s economy.
AccoNCDMB’s consistent performance in the EO1 Compliance Ranking aligns with its dedication to this mission. By streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic obstacles, NCDMB enhances the ease of doing business for local enterprises. This, in turn, encourages the growth of indigenous companies, supporting local content initiatives by providing them with a level playing field to compete effectively.
The achievement is touted as an important trend for energy initiatives, as transparent and efficient government agencies foster a better overall business climate. It helps start-ups and existing businesses operate more smoothly, reduces the cost of doing business, and minimizes the chances of corruption which will make Nigeria more competitive globally.
Modupe Gbadeyanka