New BPE Boss To Fast-track Power Project Transactions

The newly appointed director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, has emphasised the need to fast-tracked the commercialisation and privatisation of some assets to add value to the nation’s economy.

Particularly, he said, the transactions that must be urgently fast-tracked include the optimisation of the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) to provide much-needed power and the revitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to ensure food security.

He has also charged the staff of the bureau to work diligently as Nigerians look up to them to contribute their quota to pave the way for a more stable and prosperous economy.

According to a statement that was issued by the bureau on Monday, the new DG made remarks at his first meeting with the staff of the bureau at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja recently.

Gbeleyi said the bureau has been entrusted with the reform of the nation’s public enterprises, which must be optimised for operational efficiency and excellence. He emphasised that the ultimate goal is to improve the standard of living for every Nigerian through the diligent implementation of the Bureau’s reform activities.

He said as part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, his appointment has entrusted him with the mandate of strengthening the BPE as the national resource centre for capacity building and the sustenance of reforms.

According to him, the reforms include promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability, efficiently deploying public resources, and advancing effective corporate governance through discipline, which aligns with the Bureau’s mission.

He urged the staff of the Bureau to be innovative and work as a team to meet the expectations of Nigerians. “We must realise that there are limits to what we can achieve as individuals, but endless possibilities lie ahead of us as a team,” he said.

Gbeleyi was appointed director general of the Bureau on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The new DG has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration.