The Nigerian government says it is unclogging bureaucratic bottlenecks to accelerate the execution of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2025 Nigeria Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Summit held in Abuja, stated that the country has aligned its PPP processes with global best practices and investor expectations.
“When we took charge over two years ago, we knew that a functional relationship between the public and private sectors would be the magic wand for transformation. That is what we have committed to, and that is what we are doing. We have strengthened the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and enhanced its capacity to regulate, superintend, and de-risk PPP transactions. We are determined to deliver infrastructure that is both sustainable and inclusive.
“Our economic reforms have laid a stable foundation. From the removal of unsustainable subsidies to the liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime and the optimisation of government revenues, we have acted boldly and responsibly. We are streamlining bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving transparency in our project pipelines. We have aligned our processes with global best practices and investor expectations.”
He said Nigeria is implementing a sustainable infrastructure master plan that is transparent, efficient, and enduring.
“The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2043) remains our blueprint. It is our compass to raise infrastructure stock from the current 30 to 35 percent of GDP to at least 70 percent by the year 2043. But blueprints do not build roads. Policies alone do not generate megawatts. These goals require collective action—and that is the focus of my administration.
“To our private sector partners, we ask not just for capital, but for commitment. Nigeria offers scale, demand, and returns like no other African market. But we need more than investment. We need innovation, we need efficiency, and above all, we need integrity. I urge you to look beyond the risks and recognise the immense opportunity to shape a nation that is not just rising, but ready.”
Director-General of the ICRC, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, affirmed that the Commission is eliminating duplicative processes and has created clear, time-bound steps from project proposal to execution.
“At the ICRC, we are aligning regulation with facilitation, compliance with collaboration. We are committed to ensuring that every PPP transaction is not just legally sound, but economically viable and socially impactful. The Commission stands ready to walk this journey with all partners—from project conceptualisation to financial close and beyond. And this we have done with the full backing of Mr. President and his clear charge to the ICRC to ensure the acceleration of investment in national infrastructure through the innovative mobilisation of private-sector funding.”
Dr. Ewalefoh assured local and international investors that Nigeria is open for business—and more importantly, ready for partnership.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” brought together key stakeholders to explore how collaborative partnerships between the government and the private sector can accelerate national development goals.
PIAK