FG Moves to Sell 20 Aviation Enterprises as BPE Boss Pledges National Interest Safeguard

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi,

The Federal Government has announced plans to privatize, concession, or restructure 20 state-owned enterprises in the aviation sector, marking a major step in its ongoing privatization drive.

The disclosure was made in Abuja by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, who stressed that the exercise would be carried out strictly in line with national interest.

Memories of Nigeria Airways Liquidation

Although Gbeleyi did not provide a list of the affected enterprises, the announcement has already stirred fresh debate within the aviation industry. Many recall the controversial liquidation of Nigeria Airways in the early 2000s, which remains a painful reminder of how mismanaged privatization can strip the nation of strategic assets without delivering promised benefits.

Industry observers say the latest move could either correct those mistakes or repeat them, depending on how transparent and accountable the process turns out to be.

Sector Under Pressure

Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to struggle with deep-seated challenges, including high operating costs, aging infrastructure, and weak financial management.

Just this week, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, visited the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seek support in tackling financial crimes in the industry. He raised concerns over airlines’ persistent non-remittance of the mandatory five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC), which has drained critical revenue from regulatory agencies.

Reform or Risk?

Analysts note that the convergence of privatization and anti-corruption initiatives could prove pivotal for the aviation sector. If successful, the sale or concession of the 20 enterprises may bring in fresh capital, improve efficiency, and inject innovation into the system.

But the risks remain clear. Cases of fraud, economic sabotage, and weak oversight have historically undermined reforms in the sector. Critics caution that strategic assets could fall into the hands of interests more concerned with short-term profit than long-term growth.

What Next?

Supporters of the plan argue that private sector participation, when properly regulated, could finally lift Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards.

As the Federal Government moves forward, industry stakeholders are watching closely. The big question remains: will this round of privatization deliver lasting reform, or will it mirror the painful failures of the past?

Partnering on PPP projects in airports, roads, railways, seaports, education, health, housing, ICT, and security.

For now, the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector hangs on how faithfully authorities stick to the principles of transparency, accountability, and protection of national interest, values the BPE has promised to uphold.