Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, has announced the establishment of the National Center for Inspection and Oversight (NCIO) in Saudi Arabia. The center, formed in collaboration with relevant government bodies, aims to streamline and unify inspection and oversight activities across various sectors.
In his capacity as the chairman of the Board of Directors of NCIO, Al-Hogail emphasized the center’s commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s business environment. The Council of Ministers’ approval marks a significant step towards coordinating inspection and oversight operations among governmental bodies.
Al-Hogail emphasized the gradual implementation of the mechanism, intended to alleviate the repeated visits of multiple agencies to private sector establishments. The overarching goal is to reduce the burden on businesses and foster transparency in oversight processes. The NCIO is set to introduce awareness campaigns, in partnership with government agencies, to promote adherence to rules and regulations, thereby contributing to increased compliance rates.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, expressed his appreciation for the support and dedication of the country’s leadership towards facilitating business-related decisions. He highlighted the importance of the center in coordinating joint efforts and streamlining oversight mechanisms to create a conducive business environment.
Aligned with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, the establishment of the NCIO represents a crucial national initiative to enhance the Kingdom’s business landscape. The center’s responsibilities include the development of transparent supervisory procedures, the review of objection consideration processes, and the implementation of collaborative campaigns with relevant government agencies.
Moreover, the NCIO is expected to boost supervisory efficiency and compliance rates through the utilization of advanced technical tools, contributing to an improved regulatory framework and an efficient labour market, in line with the broader objectives of the Vision 2030 program.
Dr. Hisham Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, underscored the significance of the decision in protecting consumer rights and promoting transparency. He emphasized that the center’s efforts would alleviate the regulatory burden, enhance compliance rates, and optimize resource utilization for regulatory authorities and private sector establishments.
