The Anatomy of Privatization Programme in Nigeria: Matters Arising

Abstract

The paper traced the origin and reasons for privatization programmes in Nigeria to the alleged inefficiency and low productivity services in the system. The paper went on to state that 28 years had passed since the programme was inaugurated, yet Nigerians are still to fully realize the benefits of privatization programmes done in the country. Corruption and inefficiency are still the order of the day. The paper was of the opinion that it is the same corrupt leaders who mismanaged those public enterprises that are clamouring for their sales, and are the same people who purchased them at very low prices. The paper concluded that the programme only afforded some corrupt leaders and their foreign collaborators the opportunities to acquire those properties at the detriment of the average Nigerian, meanwhile, the purposes and objectives of the programmes are still hanging on the air. In recommendation, the paper drew attention of the Government to the number of people who have lost their jobs as a result of this privatization. Finally, the programme can be good or bad depending on the type of people who operate it. There are certain establishments that should not be privatized, since they constitute the base of the nation’s respect and integrity.

Key Words: Privatization, economic depression, corruption, inefficiency and
underdevelopment