The Federal Authorities just lately introduced that it expects to boost not less than ₦189.16 billion in 2026 via the sale of nationwide belongings and the privatisation of chosen public holdings, as outlined within the 2026 Appropriation Invoice.
Though a controversial matter, privatisation and asset disposal are anticipated to partially finance what analysts describe as Nigeria’s largest funds in nominal phrases.
Particulars contained within the 2026 Appropriation Invoice present that ₦189.16 billion from the sale of nationwide belongings types a part of a ₦25.27 trillion deficit financing package deal designed to plug a large fiscal deficit arising from expenditure that considerably exceeds projected revenues.
This projection enhances ₦23.04 trillion in new debt financing and about ₦2.05 trillion in multilateral and bilateral project-tied loans, highlighting a strategic shift towards non-oil funding to maintain authorities operations and capital funding.
Though the particular belongings earmarked on the market and privatisation in 2026 weren’t explicitly listed, the Federal Authorities is evaluating a various vary of transactions to monetise public belongings, ease fiscal strain, and transition the state away from direct business involvement.
These plans span the oil and gasoline, energy, transport, business, actual property, and different strategic sectors of the economic system.
“MANY ANALYSTS HAVE, HOWEVER, REMINDED NIGERIANS THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PLANNED SALE WOULD HELP TO PLUG FUNDING GAPS IN THE 2026 BUDGET, THE DECAYING AND ABANDONED NATIONAL ASSETS SCATTERED ACROSS NIGERIA—SUCH AS THE COUNTRY’S OIL REFINERIES, THE AJAOKUTA STEEL MILL, AND OTHERS LIKE THEM—SERVE AS A REMINDER OF THE FAILURES OF SUCCESSIVE ADMINISTRATIONS.”
Many analysts have, nevertheless, reminded Nigerians that whereas the deliberate gross sales could assist bridge funding gaps within the 2026 funds, the decaying and deserted nationwide belongings scattered throughout the nation—such because the oil refineries and the Ajaokuta Metal Mill—function stark reminders of the failures of successive administrations.
Consequently, Nigerians have referred to as on the Bola Tinubu-led administration to use a Midas contact and keep away from the acquainted pitfalls related to privatisation.
They’ve additionally reiterated that what really issues is not only the intention to privatise, however the course of that can guarantee a viable and credible disposal of nationwide belongings.
This underscores the necessity for correct valuation and transparency all through the complete privatisation course of.
Nigerians shouldn’t be saved at midnight for too lengthy concerning the belongings supposed on the market, and they need to be absolutely knowledgeable of their true worth, whereas statutory obligations have to be strictly upheld.
Beneath the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act of 1999, the Bureau of Public Enterprises is the only company accountable for the sale, privatisation, liquidation, or concession of Nigerian public belongings.
The method, subsequently, must be dealt with responsibly by the BPE, which has disclosed that 91 federal belongings have been earmarked for privatisation or commercialisation.
The Director-Basic of the BPE, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, defined that 16 of those corporations are in oil and gasoline, 12 in agriculture, 20 in aviation, and 28 in different public enterprises.
Different sectors embody mining and metal, transport, ecotourism, and two businesses below the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Gbeleyi additional said that fairness in 35 firms is to be absolutely privatised, whereas 57 might be partially offered.
The Nigerian authorities is predicted to show real dedication to creating these belongings productive, fairly than focusing solely on potential earnings, as buyers sometimes keep away from moribund or poorly managed belongings.
These establishments have to be correctly regulated and adequately funded to make sure that private-sector participation delivers tangible advantages to the nation.
It stays the federal government’s duty to rework these establishments into worthwhile, employment-generating entities that strengthen the economic system.
Relating to possession construction, some stakeholders have suggested the federal government towards retaining 70 to 80 per cent fairness, with solutions that authorities stakes ought to as a substitute be restricted to between 15 and 30 per cent.
Past these issues, an important query stays about how the proceeds from the gross sales might be utilised.
Nigerians count on that the funds won’t be squandered, particularly provided that ₦189 billion in taxpayer cash represents a considerable and consequential sum.