The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) announced that Nigeria is working to create an enabling environment that will generate over 50 million jobs for its unemployed citizens. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to deliver sustained, inclusive growth. According to BPE Director General Ayodeji Gbeleyi, the federal government is focused on fostering a favourable business climate through policy reforms, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship support, skills training, and investment in key sectors.
A central element of the strategy is the liberalisation of the economy through the privatisation of state‑owned enterprises. The privatisation programme aims to reduce inefficiencies, optimise these enterprises, and attract foreign direct investment. By concentrating on 15 strategic projects, the BPE expects to generate N312.3 billion for the 2025 appropriation from asset sales and privatisation. The government is also prioritising social sectors—human capital development, education, health, and social development—to complement fiscal and revenue resources.
The Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), approved by President Bola Tinubu, is delivering 2.5 million meters to address the metering gap and plans to deploy over 7 million smart meters. The programme seeks to end estimated billing, reduce energy losses, and create more than 20 000 jobs. In the telecom sector, telephone subscribers have risen from 400 000 to 169.3 million, and internet subscriptions have reached 138.7 million, growth attributed to privatisation that has spurred competition and investment.
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the BPE is committed to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across eight key areas, including economic reform, infrastructure and transportation enhancement, and unlocking energy and national resources. The agency has also strengthened the regulatory framework for pension funds, with the Pension Reform Act of 2004 leading to the registration of over 10.79 million RSA accounts by June 2025.
Additional reforms include the Nigerian Ports Authority’s leasing or concession of 26 port terminals, which has reduced ship and cargo turnaround times, and the privatisation of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and SAPO, resulting in significant growth in assets and market share. The BPE’s efforts are expected to boost economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and bridge the digital divide. With more than 500 digital hubs nationwide and the creation of over 1.2 million jobs through POS, the government’s initiatives are poised to make a substantial impact on the economy. As the BPE continues to build an enabling environment, Nigeria’s economic prospects appear increasingly positive.
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