Atiku Throws Weight Behind Proposed Privatization of Refineries, Other Assets

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Federal Government to privatize some of Nigeria's assets.

The assets include refineries, the International Conference Center in Abuja, Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Zungeru Hydro Power, Tafawa Balewa Square, among others.

The government is expected to earn a total of N593.4bn from the sale of the assets. They were classified under energy assets, industry and communication department as well as development institutions and natural resources.

The former Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party demanded transparency in the process. He made this known in a statement titled, ‘Privatisation of Refineries and Other Assets: Better Late Than Never.’

Abubakar expressed that the privatization of public assets, which he once championed and scorned by the ruling All Progressives Congress-led administration was not being embraced by the same administration.

He said, “For decades, I have championed the privatisation of our economy and full deregulation of our oil and gas sector, amongst other sectors, for greater service delivery and efficiency.

READ ALSO: Atiku Abubakar Becomes 'First Nigerian' To Receive Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

“As chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, I advanced these policies which saw our economy achieve 6% GDP growth and created jobs for the masses of our people and amass the national wealth that enabled us exit the debt trap, and secure our financial independence.

“Even though my ideas were scorned by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government over the years, I am nevertheless most fulfilled that an administration that once failed to see the wisdom in these sound economic policies, is now facing reality and has now embraced reason, by announcing the privatisation of our refineries and other assets, which have not always prospered under public management.

“It is always better late than never. And I commend the Federal Government for coming on board. I urge that the privatisation process be as transparent as possible, as that is the only way to ensure that Nigeria reaps the greatest economic benefits from this policy.

“It was never about me. My interest has always been the peace, prosperity and progress of Nigeria, and I am happy to share these ideas, and others, with the government of the day, for the betterment of our nation and its people.”