Key Takeaways
- Anambra and Delta states aim to strengthen economic collaboration as 'twin growth hubs'
- Governor Chukwuma Soludo proposes a 'Made-in-Nigeria' dress code for investment summits to promote local manufacturing
- He stresses the need for concrete business deals and partnerships rather than just speeches at investment summits
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called for deeper economic collaboration between Delta and Anambra states, describing both as natural 'twin growth hubs' capable of driving regional prosperity. Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Soludo emphasized the need for institutionalized relationships beyond personal friendships, creating working groups to promote economic cooperation.
According to Soludo, 'With the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, Delta and Anambra have effectively become twin states, much like New York and New Jersey. We should build synergies rather than compete unnecessarily.' He noted that there are many areas where Anambra can learn from Delta, and many areas where Delta can learn from Anambra, citing the development of a new commercial and industrial city powered by an aerotropolis as an example.
Economic Reforms and Investment
The governor stressed that recent macroeconomic reforms have created a more attractive environment for investment, stating that 'Nigeria has stabilised and is on the path of recovery. We have broken some of the paradoxes of the Nigerian economy.' He added that foreign capital is essential for Nigeria and for all the states, requiring a stable and predictable macroeconomic environment.
Soludo emphasized the need for greater focus on implementation, saying 'Investment must become a habit, not just an event. What should follow today’s speeches are business networking sessions, investment deals and concrete partnerships.' He called for coordinated action between the Federal Government and the states to translate macroeconomic reforms into jobs, poverty reduction, and better living standards for ordinary Nigerians.
Local Manufacturing and Job Creation
On local manufacturing, the governor urged Nigerians to patronise locally made products, stating that 'We cannot create the number of jobs we need if we continue consuming imported products while neglecting locally made goods.' He pointed to his attire, saying 'I am wearing an outfit made by a Nigerian brand. The business has grown significantly, creating jobs and increasing incomes.'
Soludo proposed a 'Made-in-Nigeria' dress code for future investment summits, challenging organisers to make it a rule: 'if you are not wearing Made-in-Nigeria, don’t come.' He estimated that if over 240 million Nigerians deliberately chose to wear Made-in-Nigeria clothing, millions of jobs would be created.
Why This Matters
The proposed economic cooperation between Anambra and Delta states, as well as the emphasis on local manufacturing and job creation, has the potential to stimulate regional growth and improve living standards for ordinary Nigerians. By focusing on concrete business deals and partnerships, rather than just speeches, investment summits can become more effective in driving economic development and **poverty reduction**.