Maximize value from national assets for Nigerians, VP Shettima urges NCP

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on members of the National Council on Privatization (NCP) to focus on maximizing value from the nation’s core assets to benefit all Nigerians.

Speaking on Tuesday during the 4th NCP meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the importance of these assets to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda. He urged council members to provide constructive leadership, stressing that their decisions would be judged by posterity.

“The work of this council has never been more important, especially in our current economic climate. Maximizing value from core national assets is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda. We must play our part in unlocking the national prosperity that the President strives for every day,” the Vice President said.

Shettima also highlighted the packed agenda of the meeting, which included post-privatization matters and critical sector reforms. He encouraged council members to make fair decisions that would serve the interests of the Nigerian people.

“Posterity will judge us kindly if we are fair to Nigerians. Our people need our leadership, and future generations will assess the quality of our decisions,” he added.

During the session, the council reviewed and approved reports from its finance, technical, and legal committees.

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, presented the proposed 2025 work plan, prioritizing revenue-generating projects and enhancing concession management capacity.

He also provided updates on the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), aimed at improving grid management, transparency, and reliability.

The restructuring of electricity distribution companies in Kano, Kaduna, Benin, and Ibadan.

Regulatory oversight transfer for electricity markets in Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Oyo, and Ondo States.

Operations at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant, Kainji, and Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plants.

A proposal to relocate four turbines from the Afam Power Plant to the Ughelli Power Plant to boost the national grid.

The Vice President commended the council for its efforts and reiterated the need to prioritize projects that would drive national development.

Present at the meeting were key ministers, including:

Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.