FG’s Privatisation of Refineries: Better Late Than Never – Atiku
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Sunday welcome the Federal Government for coming on board with its decision to privatize the nation’s refineries, stressing that it is always better late than never.
Atiku however urge that the privatisation process must be as transparent as possible, as that is the only way to ensure that Nigeria reaps the greatest economic benefits from this policy.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, noted that even though his ideas were scorned by the All Progressives Congress led Federal Government over the years, he is 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.
These were contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to Forefront in which he said that for decades, he championed the privatisation of the economy and full deregulation of the oil and gas sector, amongst other sectors, for greater service delivery and efficiency.
Atiku further said; “As chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, I advanced these policies which saw our economy achieve 6% GDP growth and created jobs for the masses of our people, and amass the national wealth that enabled us exit the debt trap, and secure our financial independence.
“It was never about me. 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”.