Abuja: Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has assured investors that Nigeria is open for business and partnerships. Ewalefoh made this statement at the Nigeria Public Private Partnership (PPP) Summit hosted by the ICRC in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the two-day summit, themed ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ aims to uncover new investment opportunities and drive economic growth, positioning Nigeria as a leader in PPPs. Ewalefoh emphasized that Nigeria, with its large population, growing middle class, and significant infrastructure gap, presents a compelling case for PPPs.
He highlighted the ICRC’s commitment to ensuring that PPP transactions are legally sound, economically viable, and socially impactful. Ewalefoh noted that the Commission is prepared to support partners from project initiation through financial closure and beyond. This initiative is bolstered by President Bola Tinubu’s support for accelerating investment in national infrastructure through private-sector funding.
Ewalefoh also mentioned President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the ICRC by endorsing streamlined processes to enhance the commission’s efficiency in delivering PPPs. From 2024, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are required to comply with the ICRC Act and Guidelines in PPP transactions, underlining the government’s commitment to rule-based and transparent infrastructure development.
Further, Ewalefoh stated that President Tinubu has maintained the integrity of the ICRC’s regulatory role by refraining from interfering with its processes and directing investors and partners to engage directly with the ICRC. This support has enabled the fast-tracking of critical projects, such as the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, aimed at mitigating the effects of water released from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
The summit is envisioned as more than just an event; it is a call for transformation and a platform for strategic collaboration, bridging national aspirations with tangible development. Ewalefoh urged participants to be bold, deliberate, and patriotic as they contribute to the urgent and collective task of nation-building.
