The statement attributed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about selling the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to friends has been clarified as a joke by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe.
Ibe said the remark was playful banter that was misunderstood and taken too far.
Speaking on Trust TV, Ibe explained that the main point of Atiku’s interview was about the need to privatise non-performing assets in the oil sector, rather than any personal gain.
He noted that many government-owned refineries across the country remain inactive, yet continue to draw salaries, arguing that government should not be in the business of running businesses but should focus on creating an environment for private enterprise to thrive.
Ibe also compared Atiku’s approach to the petroleum sector with current government policies, stating that privatisation offers a more sustainable way to manage the nation’s oil resources.
He said the former vice president’s comments were misunderstood and were not meant to suggest any personal benefit from the sale of the NNPC.
In the lead-up to the 2019 elections, Atiku had spoken about his commitment to privatise the NNPC, insisting that any sale would be for the development of Nigeria and not for enriching friends or family.
This explanation by his aide comes as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections, discussing plans for economic reforms and the future of government-owned assets in the oil industry.
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