FG Plans Sale of Selected State-Owned Assets Beginning 2026, Says Finance Minister
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to commence the sale of selected state-owned assets to private investors beginning in 2026, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Edun disclosed the plan during an interview on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies held in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the minister said the government is currently evaluating which public assets will be offered for sale and developing timelines for the proposed transactions.
“The plan is to offer some assets in 2026,” Edun stated, noting that authorities are working to identify viable government-owned enterprises and properties that could benefit from private sector investment and management.
The minister explained that the planned asset sales form part of broader economic reforms aimed at improving efficiency, attracting investment, and strengthening Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability. He said recent policy adjustments have enhanced the country’s attractiveness to both domestic and foreign investors.
“What we have put in place has made Nigeria very competitive in terms of the economic conditions and very attractive in terms of the incentives for investors,” Edun said. “I think investors are now more comfortable to invest in Nigeria. We are interested in public-private partnerships and optimisation of our assets by having others come in and invest.”
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The proposed sales are expected to be implemented through a combination of privatisation initiatives, concessions, and public-private partnership arrangements. Government officials say the goal is to ensure that underperforming or underutilised assets can be revitalised through private capital and expertise while also generating revenue for the state.
Although the minister did not specify which assets would be affected, analysts suggest that infrastructure assets, government-owned enterprises, and certain public facilities could be considered as part of the programme. The government is expected to conduct detailed assessments to determine the viability and value of each asset before making them available to investors.
The announcement comes amid ongoing economic reforms by the federal government, which has focused on improving fiscal discipline, boosting investor confidence, and restoring macroeconomic stability. Since 2023, authorities have introduced a range of policy changes aimed at addressing structural challenges in the economy, including foreign exchange reforms and subsidy removal.
Earlier in January, Edun reiterated the government’s commitment to pursuing job-rich and inclusive economic growth, emphasising that sustained investment remains essential for expanding productivity and strengthening key sectors. He noted that Nigeria continues to implement policies designed to improve credibility and create a stable environment for investors.
Economic experts say the proposed asset sales could help reduce the financial burden of maintaining state-owned enterprises while freeing up resources for priority sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, they also note that successful implementation will depend on transparency, competitive bidding processes, and strong regulatory oversight.
Privatisation has historically been a sensitive issue in Nigeria, often sparking public debate over transparency, valuation, and the potential impact on employment and public access to essential services. Previous programmes involving the sale of government assets have drawn both praise for improving efficiency and criticism over perceived lack of accountability.
As the government moves toward implementation in 2026, stakeholders across the public and private sectors are expected to monitor the process closely. Observers say clear communication, transparency, and stakeholder engagement will be key to building public confidence in the initiative.
The Ministry of Finance has indicated that further details regarding the assets to be offered, timelines, and implementation framework will be released as planning progresses.