Nigeria Aims to Create Over 50 Million Jobs Through Enabling Environment
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has announced that Nigeria is working to create an enabling environment to generate over 50 million jobs for its unemployed citizens. This move is part of the government’s effort to deliver sustained and inclusive growth. According to the BPE’s Director General, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, the federal government is focused on fostering a favourable business environment through policy reforms and infrastructure development, supporting entrepreneurship, promoting skills training, and investing in key sectors.
The BPE is liberalising the economy through the privatisation of state-owned enterprises to create jobs and attract direct investment. The privatisation programme aims to reduce inefficiencies, optimise state-owned enterprises, and attract foreign direct investment. The government is also focusing on social sectors, including human capital development, education, health, and social development, to complement the fiscal and revenue resources of governments.
The BPE has driven revenue generation by focusing on 15 strategic projects, which are expected to generate N312.3 billion for the 2025 appropriation through asset sales and privatisation. The Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is also delivering 2.5 million meters to Nigerians to address the metering gap. This programme, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aims to deploy over 7 million smart meters to end estimated billing, reduce energy losses, and create over 20,000 jobs.
The telecom sector has also seen significant growth, with telephone subscribers increasing from 400,000 to 169.3 million and internet subscription reaching 138.7 million. The BPE has attributed this growth to the privatisation of the sector, which has led to increased competition and investment.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the BPE is committed to driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. The agenda focuses on eight key areas, including reforming the economy, enhancing infrastructure and transportation, and unlocking energy and national resources for sustainable development.
The BPE has also put in place a regulatory framework to secure pension funds managed by pension fund administrators. The Pension Reform Act of 2004 established a supervisory and regulatory framework, resulting in the registration of over 10.79 million RSA accounts as of June 2025.
In addition, the Nigerian Ports Authority has leased or concessioned 26 port terminals, reducing turnaround time for ships and cargo. The aviation sector has also seen privatisation, with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and SAPO being privatised, resulting in significant growth in total assets and market share.
The BPE’s efforts are expected to contribute to economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and bridge the digital divide. With over 500 digital hubs across the country and the creation of over 1.2 million jobs through POS, the government’s initiatives are poised to make a significant impact on the economy. As the BPE continues to work towards creating an enabling environment, Nigeria’s economic prospects are looking increasingly positive.
