Mr. Benjamin Dikki-Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprise has announced that the privatization of federal airports in the country would commence soon.
Dikki, who made this known at the ongoing 9th Abuja International Trade Fair, during his presentation on “Reforms and Privatisation Opportunities in Nigeria” said, “We are planning to commence the privatisation of airports; the airports will be more efficient if the private sector is running them. Very soon, we will engage the Minister of Aviation and we will start a new process of privatising or concession of airports just like we have done with the seaports. We are likely to grant concession of maybe 15 to 20 years, according to the business model agreed on, so that investors can make a reasonable return on the investment during the concession period."
Other sectors which would also be privatized as disclosed by Dikki, include some coal blocs and sale of non-core assets of Nigeria Coal Corporation (NCC) and Nigeria Mining Corporation. "National Council on Privatisation had already approved the sale of residential houses and lands of NCC, Naraguta and Maiduguri Bricks, non-core assets of Makeri, and the Ogwashi-Azagba Coal Bloc," he added.
Currently, some bills, including the Railway Bill, Inland Waterways Bill, Federal Road Authority Bill, Ports and Harbour Reform Bill and Postal Reform Bill; when passed, would eliminate monopoly in all key sectors of the economy, create more jobs and deepen economic growth, Dikki explained.
The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Mr Solomon Nyagba however urged BPE to resume the process of privatizing the oil and gas sector to improve the power supply situation in the country.
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