Shettima inaugurates National Council on Privatisation

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constituted National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

Speaking during the event held in his conference room at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President implored new members of the NCP to work hard to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The Vice President, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said President Tinubu’s choice of the council’s membership is a reminder of what it can achieve with fresh ideas.

VP Shettima who is also chairman of the council, observed that the diverse talents and great depth of experience of persons on the council speak volume of their ability to deliver.

He stated: “Membership of this distinguished council symbolises more than mere participation; it signifies a steadfast commitment and a resolute belief in our shared vision for a Nigeria brimming with opportunities, growth, and empowerment. It represents our collective pledge to propel the economy forward, build robust infrastructure, forge pathways to employment, and nurture an environment where productivity flourishes.”

Senator Shettima reminded members of the council that their appointment is a privilege to serve the nation by contributing to the socio-economic development the Tinubu administration has promised to deliver.

He urged them not to rest on their oars in “ensuring accelerated growth of the economy, providing infrastructure, creating jobs, and providing an enabling environment for productive activities to flourish,” as they leverage on the nation’s enormous resources for the benefit of Nigerians.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, is Vice Chairman; while Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister Industries, Trade, and Investment, Dr Doris Anite; Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

Dr Olayemi Cardoso are also members.

Others are Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua; Mr. Oluwole Oshin (Private Member); Mal. Mohammed Mustapha (Private Member); Mr. Olayiwola Yahaya (Private Member); Mr. Akwa Effion Okon (Private Member), and Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh, as Secretary.

Edun, while thanking Shettima for inaugurating the council, noted that a cursory look at the 2024 appropriation bill indicated that privatization is among areas the government is relying on to fund the budget and grow the economy.

“But we do have the scope to go back to the National Assembly in the event that we find that we can actually do more,” Edun stated.