By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, says the federal government will soon identify specific public assets and set clear timelines for their sale, as Abuja intensifies efforts to attract private investment and forge strategic partnerships to revive the economy.
Speaking during an engagement with potential investors, Edun said the move forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s wider economic reform agenda aimed at unlocking value from underperforming state-owned enterprises while easing pressure on public finances.
He explained that the government is shifting from blanket privatisation to a more structured, transparent approach, focusing on assets that can be commercialised quickly and efficiently with private sector participation.
“We are working on a clear pipeline of assets, alongside realistic timelines, to give investors confidence and certainty,” Edun said. “Our goal is to crowd in private capital, improve service delivery and stimulate growth across key sectors.”
The finance minister added that the administration is prioritising partnerships in infrastructure, energy, transport and housing, areas seen as critical to boosting productivity and job creation in Africa’s largest economy.
Nigeria has been grappling with high inflation, a weak naira and rising debt servicing costs, prompting the government to pursue reforms including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalisation and tighter fiscal discipline.
Analysts say asset sales and public-private partnerships could help shore up government revenues and restore investor confidence, provided the process is transparent and backed by strong regulatory frameworks.
Edun reassured investors that reforms are being implemented to improve the business environment, strengthen institutions and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, insisting that Nigeria remains open for business.
“Our message is simple,” he said. “Nigeria offers scale, opportunity and reform momentum — and we are ready to work with serious partners.”
