Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based model, spotlighting Aba, Abia State, as a key industrial hub.
Obi made the remarks in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, following his visit to Aba on Saturday, where he honoured an invitation from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and met with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
During the visit, he commended the reception by Abaribe and party members, while also praising Alex Otti for what he described as commendable development efforts in the commercial city, widely known as Enyimba City.
Obi disclosed that he granted a one-hour interview to a local radio station during the trip, marking his first appearance on both radio and television this year. He expressed appreciation to the station and ADC stakeholders for what he described as engaging and productive interactions.
Highlighting Aba’s economic relevance, Obi described the city as a major centre for garment and footwear production, noting that these industries have the potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s revenue if properly harnessed.
He pointed out that countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam generate substantial income from similar sectors, stressing that Nigeria could achieve comparable results with the right policies and support systems in place.
“When we speak about moving Nigeria from consumption to production, Aba remains one of the cities that can contribute immensely,” he said.
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Obi, however, identified leadership as a central challenge, calling for individuals with competence, capacity, compassion, and commitment to national development.
According to him, effective leadership remains the critical factor in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and aligning it with the progress seen in other developing nations.
The visit underscores Obi’s continued advocacy for structural economic reforms and grassroots engagement, as he maintains that a more productive and self-reliant Nigeria is achievable.
Reiterating his long-standing message, he concluded that a “new Nigeria is possible” with the right leadership and policy direction.