Vice President Shettima Urges National Council On Privatization To Maximize Value Of Nigeria’s Key Assets

Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the National Council on Privatization (NCP) to focus on maximizing the value of Nigeria's key assets for the benefit of its people.

Speaking at the fourth NCP meeting in Abuja, Shettima said that these assets were crucial to the economic goals of President Bola Tinubu's administration. He encouraged NCP members to lead with fairness, stressing that their efforts will be remembered by future generations if they act in the best interest of the citizens.

"The work of this council has never been more important, especially given our current economic climate," the vice president said, as per the official statement shared on X.

"Maximising value from core national assets is a key tenet of the economic agenda of President Tinubu and we must, as a council, play our part in unlocking the national prosperity that Mr President works towards every day."

He explained that the agenda for the meeting was heavily packed, covering important post-privatization issues and key reforms in various sectors that contribute massively to the country's goals.

The vice president encouraged the council members to actively participate in the discussions, stressing that future generations will judge them based on how fair they were to the Nigerian people. He reminded them that their leadership was essential, and the decisions made today will impact the country for years to come.

During the meeting -- attended by various ministers, including those from Budget and Economic Planning, Power and Water Resources and Sanitation -- the NCP approved reports from its finance, technical, and legal committees.

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, presented the proposed 2025 work plan, focusing on revenue-generating projects and improving concession management.

He also provided an update on the Nigerian Independent System Operator, aimed at enhancing grid management and transparency. The council received updates on the restructuring of electricity distribution companies in Kano, Kaduna, Benin, and Ibadan, as well as regulatory changes in several states.

Other updates included operations at the Zungeru, Kainji, and Jebba hydro plants and a proposal to move turbines from Afam to Ughelli to boost power supply.