Economic experts are increasingly pointing to the listing of government-owned assets as a potential strategy to address Nigeria’s growing fiscal deficit, which has now risen to over ₦31 trillion.
The proposal involves partially privatizing or listing state-owned enterprises and infrastructure assets on the stock exchange to unlock value, attract investment, and improve efficiency in management.
Analysts argue that many government assets remain underutilized or poorly managed, limiting their contribution to national revenue generation at a time when public finances are under significant strain.
By opening such assets to private participation, the government could raise capital, reduce borrowing pressures, and stimulate economic activity through increased transparency and corporate governance.
The suggestion comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the sustainability of continued borrowing to finance budget deficits.
While the idea has gained support among some financial experts, others caution that proper regulatory frameworks and transparency must be ensured to prevent asset stripping or mismanagement during the process.