The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has said that Nigeria is creating an enabling environment to generate over 50 million jobs for unemployed citizens and deliver sustained, inclusive growth.

This was disclosed during a news conference in Abuja where the Bureau showcased its scorecard and milestone achievements.

The Director General of BPE, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, explained that the federal government is committed to generating jobs by fostering a favorable business environment through policy reforms and infrastructure development. He noted that government is also supporting entrepreneurship, promoting skills training, and investing in critical sectors.

Mr Gbeleyi said the Bureau is liberalizing the economy through the privatization of state-owned enterprises to create jobs and attract direct investment. According to him, “the policy objectives of the privatisation programme aim to reduce inefficiencies and optimize state-owned enterprises, infuse private capital, technology, and innovation, dismantle monopolies and reduce debt borrowing, attract foreign direct investment, and create jobs.”

He explained that the federal government is paying special attention to social sectors, with a focus on human capital development, education, health, and social development, in order to complement fiscal and revenue resources of governments.

“We have driven revenue generation by focusing on 15 strategic projects to generate N312.3 billion for the 2025 appropriation through asset sales and privatisation,” Mr Gbeleyi stated.

Speaking on past reforms, the DG recalled that before liberalisation in the telecom sector, Nigeria had barely 400,000 telephone lines which were hardly functional due to the monopoly of NITEL and ENTEL. He noted, “As of the end of July this year, telephone subscribers in the country were 169.3 million. Tele-density 78.11%. Internet subscription at 138.7 million. Broadband subscription of 104.1 million. Penetration of 48.81%. Contribution to GDP.”

On power sector reforms, he explained that the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is delivering 2.5 million meters to Nigerians to close the metering gap. He added that the program, approved by President Bola Tinubu, will deploy over 7 million smart meters to end estimated billing, reduce energy losses, increase revenue for distribution companies, and create over 20,000 jobs.

The Director General also highlighted reforms in the pension sector. “Prior to the pension reform, which was also anchored by the Bureau in 2004, we had situations where men and women who had served our country meritoriously had to endure long queues to get their minimum pension payment. But with the Pension Reform Act in 2004, we established a supervisory and regulatory framework and licensed operators. About 23 pension fund administrators are in the country, with the registration of over 10.79 million RSA accounts as at the end of June 2025,” he said.

Mr Gbeleyi explained that reforms have also impacted the transport and aviation sectors. According to him, 26 port terminals were leased or concessioned by the Nigerian Ports Authority across six Nigerian ports including Apapa, Tinkan, Tinkan Island, Kalabawori, and Kodakot. This, he said, has reduced turnaround time for ships and cargo.

“In the aviation sector, NACO, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, and SAPO were also privatised by the BPE. Total assets were 3.3 billion back in December 2024; it has grown to 41.7 billion. Market share, which was just a mere 21%, is also catching up at 40%,” the DG explained.

He said ongoing reforms in the power sector would further increase generation capacity and improve electricity supply nationwide.

The BPE boss also pointed to the role of technology in economic growth. He said that over 500 digital hubs across the country are contributing to economic growth, fostering entrepreneurship, and bridging the digital divide. He added that more than 1.2 million jobs have been created through point-of-sale operations, alongside 500,000 direct jobs, expanding the e-commerce market which was valued at about 15 billion in 2023.

Mr Gbeleyi stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the Bureau remains committed to driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

He highlighted eight key focus areas for the Renewed Hope agenda. These include reforming the economy to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth, enhancing infrastructure and transportation, unlocking energy and national resources for development, and investing in education, health, and social investment.

Other priorities are boosting agriculture to achieve food security, accelerating diversification through industrialization and digitization, supporting creative industries and manufacturing, and strengthening technological security for peace and prosperity.

Director General of BPE, Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, and the management team were present at the event in Abuja on Tuesday. Photo: Alhassan Mustapha.

Sokoto state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Humanitarian Affairs, Honourable Asabe Balarabe, has presented sets of computers to some ministries, departments and agencies of the state government.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony held at the ministry’s conference room, Asabe Balarabe explained that the sets of computers were provided by the Sokoto state government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. She noted that the aim was to enhance data capturing of internally displaced persons and support other humanitarian activities across the state.

According to her, the benefiting ministries include the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ministry of Environment, and the Office of the Statistician General, among others.

Hajiya Asabe Balarabe added that the gesture aligns with the present administration of Governor Dr Ahmad Aliyu, which is committed to having accurate data of IDPs and humanitarian services in Sokoto. She emphasized that the availability of reliable information will guide effective planning and social welfare interventions.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting ministries, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Engineer Mustafa Muhammad Kofar Marke, commended the effort. He said, “This shows the unwavering commitment of Governor Aliyu in giving utmost attention to all sectors of human development.” He assured that the equipment would be put to judicious use for the realization of the set goals.

The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner of Skills Acquisition, Abba Mu’alledi, Permanent Secretary of Budget and Economic Planning, Maryam Ahmad Barade Wamakko, a representative of the Statistician General, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Sada Lawali, alongside directors from various departments.

This initiative is expected to strengthen government data management systems, improve humanitarian response, and boost development planning in Sokoto state.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, today launched the Care365 Health Hub, a health-tech solution designed to improve Nigerians’ access to quality, affordable, and people-centred healthcare.

The Care365 Health Hub was founded by Dr. Ngozi Joseph Odumuko and is chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.). The platform is expected to provide seamless access to health services, digital tools, and reliable health information for citizens, while also strengthening the health system through data-driven decision-making, improved coordination, and patient-centred care.

Speaking during the launch, Prof. Pate said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for innovation, preventive care, and universal health coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted, “Care365 demonstrates how strategic innovation and technology can expand healthcare access, improve service delivery, and place the Nigerian patient at the centre of care. This is another milestone in our journey to build a stronger, more responsive health system for all Nigerians.”

The launch of the Care365 Health Hub highlights the role of Public–Private Partnerships in transforming healthcare delivery across Nigeria. By expanding access, promoting efficiency, and fostering innovation, PPPs are seen as critical in strengthening the health sector.

Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, Care365 is designed to support universal health coverage through digital and people-centred solutions, strengthen primary healthcare, and improve citizen-focused service delivery.

It also seeks to unlock the healthcare value chain by driving jobs, innovation, and sustainability in the sector.

This development reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to health system reform and domestic capacity building. It emphasizes citizen-centred care, with the aim of ensuring that every Nigerian has access to affordable, quality healthcare anytime and anywhere.

Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has announced plans to host the Year 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The forum is aimed at deepening dialogue between government and stakeholders in the wealth creation and employment ecosystem.

The forum will bring together participants from the public and private sectors, civil society, NGOs, professional groups, entrepreneurs, artisans, recruiters, and other partners. It is expected to create space for exchanging perspectives, reviewing interventions, and proposing new solutions to challenges affecting employment and entrepreneurship in Lagos State.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described the Stakeholders’ Forum as a vital platform to strengthen collaboration and foster innovation. He emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and expanding job creation opportunities.

According to him, “Additionally, this year’s forum will build on the deliverables of the 2024 edition while addressing unresolved issues and identifying new areas of intervention under the 2025 budget cycle. We are sustaining our feedback loops through surveys and continuous engagement while inviting past and present beneficiaries of our programmes to share their impact stories. This will provide better outcomes and strengthen programme delivery.”

Ajigbotafe recalled that the 2024 edition attracted over 400 participants and produced feedback that influenced several Ministry programmes. He explained that the 2025 edition has been expanded to accommodate about 550 participants to capture more voices and broaden the base of interventions.

He further stated that expected outcomes from the engagement include stronger collaboration, improved information sharing, better decision-making, and inclusive initiatives that reflect the needs of citizens and stakeholders.

In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, ESV. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, said the Forum will act as a feedback loop and a platform to design fresh interventions aligned with the state government’s employment and entrepreneurship agenda.

Olayinka added that the Ministry is committed to building partnerships that deliver tangible results. He noted that a strategic liaison team will be established to attract new partners, consolidate existing ones, and drive sustainable partnership engagements across different sectors.

Maiha Local Government Area recently held a one-day sensitization campaign on the Community-Based Health Insurance program. The event was organized to educate stakeholders on how to identify, select, and enroll vulnerable groups into the scheme.

The campaign brought together community leaders, ward development committees, health workers, women leaders, and youth representatives. The aim was to create better understanding and ensure active participation in the program.

As part of the day’s activities, an advocacy visit was paid to the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Development Authority Maiha. During the visit, the objectives of the program were explained, and assurances of support and collaboration were received.

Declaring the session open, the Executive Secretary PHCDA Maiha described the initiative as a breakthrough for the community. He said: “This initiative is a milestone for our communities. By working together, we can ensure that no vulnerable person in Maiha is left behind when it comes to accessing quality healthcare.”

Also speaking, the representative of the Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Contributory Health Management Agency, emphasized the role of government in supporting the scheme. She noted: “The state government remains committed to strengthening community-based health insurance. Stakeholders at the grassroots are vital in identifying and enrolling the right beneficiaries to achieve universal health coverage.”

The technical session featured detailed presentations on the CBHI model. Facilitators explained the processes for identifying beneficiaries and the roles stakeholders are expected to play. The session was interactive, with participants engaging in questions and answers to gain clarity.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the District Head of Maiha commended both the organizers and the participants. He said: “We are grateful for the support given to our communities. This sensitization will go a long way in improving access to health services for our vulnerable groups, and we pledge our continued cooperation.”

The event ended with a group photograph involving dignitaries, facilitators, and participants. This was seen as a symbol of unity and shared responsibility to improve healthcare delivery.

The sensitization campaign is expected to make the identification and enrollment process more transparent and inclusive. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, gender-based violence survivors, and fistula survivors are expected to benefit.

With improved awareness and stronger community involvement, the program aims to expand access to essential health services. It is also projected to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending for vulnerable households in Maiha.