FG to begin sale of state-owned assets in 2026 – Edun
The Federal Government has said it will begin the sale of some state-owned assets to private investors starting from 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the economy and attract
The Federal Government has said it will begin the sale of some state-owned assets to private investors starting from 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the economy and attract more investment.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made this known on Monday during an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the AlUla conference for emerging market economies held in Saudi Arabia.
Edun explained that the government is already working on identifying which public assets will be put up for sale and when the transactions will take place. According to him, the move is part of a broader plan to bring in private sector funds and improve the performance of government-owned assets. “The plan is to offer some assets in 2026,” the minister said.
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He added that the government has taken steps to improve the country’s economic environment, making Nigeria more attractive to investors both at home and abroad.
“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 investing in Nigeria,” Edun said.
The minister explained that the government is not only looking at outright sales but is also open to partnerships between the public and private sectors. He said such partnerships would allow private investors to bring in funds, expertise, and efficiency to manage certain assets better.
“We are interested in private-public partnerships, optimisation of our assets by having others come in and invest,” he said.
The planned asset sales are coming as part of ongoing economic reforms being carried out by the federal government. Edun had earlier stated on January 22 that Nigeria is pursuing what he described as job-rich and inclusive growth. He said attracting investment is key to raising productivity, creating jobs, and expanding the economy.
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According to him, Nigeria remains committed to reforms aimed at restoring confidence in government policies and ensuring stability in the economy. These reforms are designed to improve fiscal discipline, strengthen public finances, and create a stable environment where businesses can grow.
Economic experts say that if properly managed, the sale or concession of state-owned assets can help the government raise funds, reduce the burden of maintaining underperforming enterprises, and free up resources for critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. However, they also stress the need for transparency and accountability in the process to ensure that public interest is protected.
With the planned transactions set to begin in 2026, attention will now turn to the specific assets to be offered and how the government intends to carry out the sales. For many Nigerians, the key concern will be whether the move will lead to improved services, more jobs, and stronger economic growth in the coming years.
