Juliet Jacob 
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen private-sector led growth through the inauguration of the Ministerial Project Approval Board (MPAB) and the review of a new digital transformation proposal for the equipment leasing sector.
Chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Board held its first session in Abuja to assess a Public-Private Partnership initiative proposed by the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA).
The digital programme aims to modernise regulatory processes and widen access to leasing services, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
In a statement signed by Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga,on Wednesday, the initiative seeks to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and the ease with which businesses can acquire machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment.
“This administration is committed to partnerships that leverage private capital and innovation to deliver real economic value,” Edun said. “Our objective is to stimulate investment, drive productivity, and create jobs while ensuring public accountability.”
The Minister emphasised that the MPAB will serve as a central mechanism to evaluate and accelerate responsible private-sector investment under the Federal Government’s wider economic reform priorities.
ELRA Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Donald Wokoma, noted that the transformation agenda includes digital platforms, industry capacity-building programmes, and frameworks targeting increased sector participation. Private partners at the session affirmed readiness to support both financing and technological integration.
Analysts say improved access to equipment financing could boost SME competitiveness, support industrial value chains, and reduce reliance on bank loans in a high-interest economic environment.
The move signals a renewed push to strengthen enterprise productivity, expand job creation, and unlock capital flows within the Nigerian economy.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu