The Federal Government has announced plans to begin the sale of some state-owned assets to private investors in 2026 as part of efforts to boost investment and strengthen the economy.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, made this known during an interview on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies held in Saudi Arabia. According to a report by Bloomberg, Edun said the government is currently working on identifying which assets will be offered for sale and setting timelines for the transactions.
He explained that the move is part of a broader strategy to make Nigeria more attractive to investors and improve the management of government-owned resources.
State-owned assets include government-owned companies, properties, and investments in sectors such as energy, transportation, and manufacturing. Over the years, there have been debates about whether the government should continue to run certain businesses or allow private investors to take over in order to improve efficiency and generate revenue.
“The plan is to offer some assets in 2026,” the minister said.
Edun said recent economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government have improved Nigeria’s competitiveness and made the country more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
“What we have put in place has made Nigeria very competitive in terms of the economic conditions and very attractive in terms of the incentives for investors. I think investors are now more comfortable to invest in Nigeria,” he said.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the government has introduced several economic reforms. These include the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market, and efforts to increase government revenue through tax reforms.
While these reforms have been described by government officials as necessary steps to stabilise the economy, they have also led to higher living costs for many Nigerians. Inflation has remained high, and the value of the naira has faced pressure in the foreign exchange market.
The proposed sale of state-owned assets is seen as another step in the government’s reform programme. By allowing private investors to buy stakes in government businesses or manage certain assets, the government hopes to raise funds, reduce financial burdens, and improve efficiency.
Edun noted that the government is interested in public-private partnerships and in optimising assets by allowing private investors to come in with capital and expertise.
“We are interested in private public partnerships, optimisation of our assets by having others come in and invest,” he said.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) involve collaboration between the government and private companies to finance, build, and operate projects such as roads, power plants, and airports. Nigeria has used this model in the past, especially in the power and aviation sectors.
The minister’s announcement is part of the government’s wider economic agenda aimed at promoting job creation and inclusive growth.
On January 22, Edun stated that Nigeria is pursuing job-rich and inclusive growth, stressing that investment is critical to increasing productivity and expanding the economy.
He said Nigeria remains on the path of economic reforms designed to restore policy credibility and achieve macroeconomic stability. Macroeconomic stability refers to maintaining stable prices, a manageable exchange rate, and sustainable levels of debt.
In recent years, Nigeria’s economy has faced several challenges, including low oil production, high public debt, rising inflation, and foreign exchange shortages. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria depends heavily on oil exports for revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Fluctuations in global oil prices often affect government income and economic performance.
To reduce reliance on oil, the government has repeatedly stated its intention to diversify the economy by encouraging investment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and solid minerals.
The planned sale of state-owned assets in 2026 may form part of efforts to raise funds that can be invested in priority areas, including infrastructure and social services.
However, public reaction to asset sales in Nigeria has often been mixed. In the past, privatization of government enterprises, such as power companies, generated debate over pricing, service delivery, and transparency.
As 2026 approaches, attention will likely focus on which assets will be selected for sale and how the process will be conducted. Many Nigerians will be watching closely to ensure that the transactions serve the public interest and contribute to economic growth.
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