The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that Nigeria must urgently shift from a consumption-driven economy to one based on production, warning that no nation can import its way to prosperity.
Obi made the declaration on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, while addressing journalists at a press conference where he outlined some of the key issues he intends to take to Nigerians during the 2027 presidential campaign.
The NDC candidate said his campaign would be more than a political exercise, describing it as an opportunity for a national conversation on how to rebuild the country and improve the living standards of Nigerians.
According to him, although he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, come from different backgrounds and experiences, they share a common objective of improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
“Our experiences differ, but our conclusion is clear: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage its public resources responsibly,” Obi said.
He argued that the country requires more than reactive economic reforms, stressing that Nigerians should judge leaders by whether their policies have improved their standard of living.
“The real questions are: Are Nigerians better off than they were four years ago? Can they afford food, education, and healthcare? Can businesses grow, produce, and generate jobs? Can young people secure productive employment? Can farmers work safely and get their produce to market?” he asked.
Obi urged Nigerians to demand direct answers from political leaders on these issues rather than relying on statements made by their proxies or surrogates.
He said the 2027 election presents Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the records, ideas and programmes of candidates seeking their mandate at a critical period in the nation’s history.
“I enter this contest with one firm belief: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” he declared.
The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the country’s poverty, insecurity, unemployment and humanitarian challenges.
He cited figures attributed to the International Monetary Fund, saying 63 per cent, or more than 140 million Nigerians, live at or below the national poverty line, while humanitarian agencies estimate that about 35 million people will require food assistance during the 2026 lean season.
He also noted that about 3.6 million Nigerians remain internally displaced, largely as a result of conflict and insecurity, while millions of young Nigerians enter the labour market every year without access to meaningful economic opportunities.
Nigeria Must Produce What It Consumes
On his proposed shift from consumption to production, Obi said Nigeria’s large population and domestic market provide enormous opportunities for economic transformation if properly harnessed.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets,” he said.
He said the NDC administration would seek to transform Nigeria’s population into productive human capital and its natural resources into value-added industries.
According to him, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services would all have important roles to play in building a productive economy.
He added that the country’s experience in public finance management, the private sector and the civil service would be harnessed to promote investment, enterprise and job creation.
Obi Promises Comprehensive Approach to Insecurity
Addressing the security crisis, Obi said insecurity had displaced millions of Nigerians and continued to undermine agriculture, education, trade and investment.
He called for a comprehensive approach involving improved intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border management, and greater deployment of technology in the fight against insecurity.
The NDC candidate also spoke on healthcare, unemployment and the state of Nigeria’s democracy, urging citizens to critically scrutinise the records and programmes of candidates before making their choices in 2027.
He maintained that presidential candidates must be willing to travel across the country, engage directly with citizens and answer their questions.
“Any presidential candidate who lacks the resolve to travel across the country, meet the people, and respond to their questions lacks the capacity to govern it,” Obi said.
