Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged governments at all levels to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, saying the country must move from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production, jobs and exports.
Speaking in a post on X on Thursday after attending the inauguration of the new President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Eric Okoye, in Lagos, Obi said the country has the potential to build a stronger industrial base.
He said achieving this would require the right government policies, a better business environment and stronger collaboration with the private sector.
Obi noted that manufacturing contributes only about 7.5 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared with 14 per cent in Egypt, 15 per cent in Morocco, 19 per cent in Indonesia, 20 per cent in Bangladesh and 25 per cent in Vietnam.
He stressed that Nigeria must deliberately embrace a productive economy that creates jobs, adds value to local resources and competes globally.
According to him, a stronger manufacturing sector will reduce the country’s dependence on imports, boost exports and improve the standard of living of Nigerians.
Obi congratulated Dr. Okoye and his executive team, expressing confidence in their leadership and pledging continued engagement with manufacturers to help build a more productive and prosperous Nigeria.
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