SOUTH-EAST ECONOMIC GROWTH: Leaders Push To Rebuild Region As Nigeria's Economic Power House

Leaders Push to Rebuild Region as Nigeria's Economic Powerhouse

In a bold and strategic move to reclaim its historical economic prominence, leaders, investors, and business stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-East have launched a renewed campaign to transform the region into the nation's leading economic hub.

This initiative was spotlighted during the Southeast Business Investment Summit held in Enugu, where key voices emphasized unity, infrastructure renewal, and industrial development as the pillars of regional revival.

Historically, Eastern Nigeria was among the fastest-growing regional economies globally, boasting an impressive average growth rate of 9.2% between 1954 and 1964. This growth was fueled by visionary leadership, robust industrial expansion, and significant investments in education and infrastructure.

However, decades of political instability, underinvestment, and marginalization narratives have eroded that legacy.

Now, a quiet but determined economic resurgence is underway. The president of the Southeast Business Summit declared that the time has come for the region to take control of its destiny. He urged stakeholders to move beyond complaints of marginalization and instead harness the region’s comparative advantage in business and entrepreneurship. “We decided that we should stop complaining. We should stop blaming anybody. We should stop shouting marginalization. We should take our destiny in our own hands,” he said, emphasizing the need to leverage business as a tool for regional transformation.

Speakers at the summit stressed the importance of balancing competition with cooperation. They called on individuals and governments to support collective progress while striving for personal success.

A recurring theme was the need for state governments to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. This includes policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and active engagement with decision-making processes at both state and federal levels.

The summit also highlighted the strategic location of the South-East and its strong connectivity as key assets that can attract major investors. By investing in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology, the region can boost trade across its corridor and redefine its economic future.

This renewed push is not just about reclaiming lost glory, it is about building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking economy that can serve as a model for other regions.

The South-East is poised to rise again, not through lamentation, but through deliberate action, strategic investment, and a shared vision of prosperity.