Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar says the decision to privatise refineries and other assets is better late than never.
Atiku disclosed this in a social media statement on Sunday morning, titled ” Privatisation of Refineries and Other Assets: Better Late Than Never.”
“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,” Atiku said.
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He disclosed that during his period as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, he oversaw privatisation policies which boosted economic growth to 6% GDP growth and also created jobs and “amass the national wealth that enabled us exit the debt trap, and secure our financial independence.”
Atiku revealed that during the 2019 Presidential campaign, his plan to privatise the refineries was attacked by the APC, however, he urged that privatisation comes better late than never, as Buhari’s administration has now embraced reason.
Atiku said, “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.”
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“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.
“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,” he added.
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What you should know
- Premium Times released an exclusive report last week stating that the FG is proposing to sell or concession no fewer than 36 of its properties to raise funds, largely to finance the 2021 budget.
- The assets include; the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC), some unnamed refineries, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abuja Water Board, Nigerian Film Corporation, and many others.