Aba’s garment, shoe industry can match oil earnings — Peter Obi

2026-03-29 - 08:04

UMUAHIA — Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria’s garment and footwear industry in Aba, Abia State, has the potential to generate revenue comparable to the country’s oil earnings if properly managed and supported. Obi made this known in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) platform on Sunday, following his visit to Aba where he engaged with stakeholders of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). The former governor disclosed that he visited the commercial hub on Saturday at the invitation of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, commending him and his team for the warm reception. He also praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his efforts in developing Aba, popularly known as Enyimba City. During the visit, Obi granted a one-hour interview on Magic FM, describing it as his first appearance on radio and television this year. He also appreciated members of the ADC for what he described as a productive engagement. Highlighting the economic potential of Aba, Obi reiterated his long-standing position on the need for Nigeria to transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one. “When I speak about moving the country from consumption to production, Aba remains one of the cities that will contribute immensely to that, as it remains a hub for garment and shoe production,” he stated. He noted that the garment and footwear industries have proven to be major foreign exchange earners in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, adding that Nigeria could replicate such success through strategic investment and proper management. According to him, “both products—garments and shoes—earn as much as oil does for some countries and can do the same for Nigeria if well supported.” Obi, however, identified leadership as a critical factor in unlocking the country’s economic potential, stressing the need for competence, compassion, and commitment in governance. “Our challenge remains competent leadership with capacity, compassion, and commitment to national development, as seen in other comparable nations,” he said. He concluded by reaffirming his belief in the country’s future, stating, “A new Nigeria is possible.”