By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief 

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) said it will fast-track the sale of the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) to provide much-needed power supply to the public.

The newly appointed Director-General of the Bureau, Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, disclosed this at his maiden meeting with the staff, according to a statement by the Head, Public communications, Mrs. Amina Tukur Othman, in Abuja, yesterday.

NIPPs’ privatization had been met with opposition by state governors and some interests in Northern Nigeria, over the legality of the exercise, as well as, some Northerners who claimed it would be to their disadvantage.

Mr. Gbeleyi who was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu, added that his administration would vigorously pursue revitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture, given its critical role in the food security goal of the president.

He noted that the Bureau has been entrusted with the reform of the nation’s public enterprises, which must be optimised for operational efficiency and excellence. He emphasised that the ultimate goal was to improve the standard of living for every Nigerian through the diligent implementation of the Bureau’s reform activities.

According to the D-G as part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, his appointment as the D-G of the Bureau has entrusted him with the critical mandate of strengthening the BPE as the national resource center for capacity building and the sustenance of reforms.

“This includes promoting a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability, efficiently deploying public resources, and advancing effective corporate governance through discipline, which aligns with the Bureau’s mission,” he said.

Mr. Gbeleyi urged the staff of the Bureau to be innovative and work as a team to meet the expectations of Nigerians, adding, “We must realise that there are limits to what we can achieve as individuals, but endless possibilities lie ahead of us as a team.”  

The new helmsman, who expressed delight at the caliber of manpower in the Bureau, stated that he was available and ready to steer the Bureau’s ship in the right direction.