Manny Ita –
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for a significant expansion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as part of efforts to accelerate economic development and attract global investment into the country. Speaking at a high-level economic forum, Shettima stressed that Nigeria must deepen collaboration between government and private sector players to bridge infrastructure gaps, boost productivity, and create sustainable jobs. He noted that limited public funding makes it imperative for the government to leverage private capital and expertise in delivering critical projects. The Vice President highlighted key sectors such as transportation, energy, housing, and digital infrastructure as priority areas where PPP frameworks can drive rapid transformation. According to him, improving regulatory clarity, ensuring policy consistency, and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks will be essential to building investor confidence. Shettima also emphasized the need for stronger institutional frameworks, pointing to the role of agencies like the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission in overseeing transparent and efficient PPP arrangements. He added that Nigeria must align its policies with global best practices to compete effectively for international capital. Reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Vice President said reforms are already underway to streamline project approval processes and enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Economic analysts believe that a more aggressive PPP strategy could unlock billions of dollars in investment, reduce the burden on public finances, and fast-track the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects across Nigeria. As the government intensifies its push, stakeholders expect increased engagement with both local and international investors, positioning Nigeria as a more attractive destination for long-term capital inflows.
