The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has raised alarm over the increasing summons of private companies by committees of the National Assembly, warning that the practice could erode investor confidence, undermine ease of doing business reforms, and worsen unemployment.
The group has now appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to step in and address what it described as a worrisome trend with far-reaching economic consequences.
In an open letter co-signed by leaders of Nigeria’s leading business associations, the OPSN described the frequent invitations as “a duplication of regulatory activities” that undermines executive agencies of government and adds financial strain to struggling businesses.
The OPSN is an umbrella body representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).
It also includes sectoral groups such as the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, the Oil Producers Trade Section, and the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees, among others.
The OPSN noted that judicial pronouncements had previously clarified the limits of legislative oversight.
Citing the case of DHL International Nigeria Limited vs Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FHC/ABJ/CS/261/2018), the group reminded lawmakers that the courts had ruled private companies are not covered under sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.
These provisions only empower the legislature to investigate issues related to public funds and the administration of government agencies—not private enterprises.
“The incessant summons by Committees of the National Assembly has created duplication of regulatory activities, usurping the statutory roles of ministries, departments and agencies of the executive arm of government,” the group wrote.
Beyond legal arguments, OPSN stressed that the frequent invitations have imposed huge financial and operational costs on companies.
Executives are often required to travel repeatedly to Abuja, incurring expenses on flights, hotels, documentation, and legal representation.
“These disruptions affect productivity, pulling senior managers and technical experts away from core operations,” OPSN explained.
“This results in lost output, missed deadlines, and weakened competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.”
According to the group, such practices directly undermine efforts to attract foreign investment, as they create an image of unpredictability and overregulation in Nigeria’s business environment.
While stressing that the private sector is not opposed to legislative or regulatory oversight, OPSN argued that regulations should promote growth rather than hinder it.
The body insisted that a predictable and transparent regulatory framework, backed by consistent government policies, is key to building sustainable businesses.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of MAN, emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford actions that dampen investor morale at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from inflationary pressures, foreign exchange instability, and slow growth.
Similarly, NECA’s DG, Adewale Oyerinde, noted that Nigeria is already competing with other African nations to attract foreign capital.
“Uncoordinated regulatory activities send the wrong signal to investors and could push businesses to more stable markets within the continent,” he warned.
The OPSN urged President Tinubu to safeguard Nigeria’s fragile investment environment by ensuring a clear delineation of powers between regulators and legislators.
It stressed that resolving this issue will strengthen the government’s broader economic reforms and position Nigeria as a reliable investment hub.
“We reaffirm our readiness to collaborate with the government in finding practical solutions for Nigeria’s sustainable economic transformation,” the letter stated.
Analysts believe the concerns raised by OPSN reflect a deeper struggle between Nigeria’s business community and its regulatory framework.
For years, foreign investors have flagged policy inconsistency, multiple taxation, and high compliance costs as major obstacles to operating in the country.
If left unchecked, experts warn that the repeated summons of private companies by lawmakers could further discourage foreign direct investment (FDI), which Nigeria desperately needs to finance infrastructure, expand industries, and create jobs.
The appeal to Tinubu comes at a time when the government is also trying to roll out reforms in taxation, monetary policy, and foreign exchange to stabilize the economy.
Observers say addressing OPSN’s concerns swiftly would not only reassure investors but also demonstrate the administration’s commitment to supporting the private sector as the engine of job creation and economic growth.