Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s economy during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time in office.

From 1999 to 2007, Atiku was responsible for overseeing the privatization of national assets. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), led by Nasir El-Rufai at the time, operated under his supervision.

Recently, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai acknowledged Atiku’s contributions. During a condolence visit to the family of Edwin Clark, a respected elder statesman who passed away on February 17, El-Rufai said Atiku deserved more recognition for his role in economic policymaking.

“Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy making under the Obasanjo administration. Many of the things we did, we did under his leadership,” El-Rufai stated. He noted that people often forget past achievements and focus only on negative aspects.

El-Rufai’s comments were surprising, given his past criticism of Atiku. In 2016, he accused the former vice president of spreading falsehoods and linked him to corruption allegations. However, his recent statement highlights Atiku’s significant role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.

Atiku’s work in economic reforms, especially in privatization, was a major part of Obasanjo’s administration. While opinions about him may vary, his influence on Nigeria’s economic direction remains a key part of history.