Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called on Nigeria to overhaul its consumption-driven economic model in favour of production, manufacturing and exports, arguing that a stronger productive base is essential to creating millions of jobs, reducing import dependence and improving living standards.
Soludo made the call at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he urged the Government and state and local authorities to redirect investments towards productive enterprises capable of generating wealth, strengthening domestic industries and driving sustainable economic growth.
He said the nation must harness its natural resources, human capital and entrepreneurial capacity through coordinated policies that promote exports, strengthen local supply chains and attract investment into sectors where the country has a competitive advantage.
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The governor stressed that closer collaboration among the three tiers of government and the private sector was critical to translating the country’s economic potential into productive opportunities, adding that Nigeria could generate more than 10 million jobs by expanding domestic production and supporting local enterprises.
Soludo also advocated the “Buy Nigeria to Grow Nigeria” principle, urging citizens to patronise locally made products to stimulate demand, support indigenous businesses and retain more economic value within the country.
He cited his regular use of Akwete fabric as an example of how patronage of Nigerian products could sustain traditional craftsmanship, increase the earnings of local producers and create employment opportunities, particularly for women.
On human capital development, the governor highlighted Anambra’s free education programme in public schools, which he said had contributed to reducing the state’s out-of-school rate from 2.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent.
He said sustained investment in education was vital to building the skilled workforce needed to support innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial development.
The Nigerian Economic Summit brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the country’s economic performance and advancing sustainable national development.
