As Anambra/ Delta Seek Cross border Integration
By Okey Maduforo Awka .
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has opined that the consumption of locally made goods would certainly tackle unemployment rate across the country there by creating over 10 Million Jobs .
This is coming as the duo of Anambra and Delta states thicker with the idea of a cross border Integration in view of their closeness in human and economic resources.
Soludo who was at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit
2026 ,with the theme “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials” emphasized that both
Anambra and Delta states share a dynamic bond akin to “New York and New Jersey.”
Outlining plans for deeper cross-border integration, Soludo revealed ongoing efforts to build an economic free trade zone powered by an aerotropolis in Anambra, stressing that sub-nationals must synergize rather than work in isolation.
Soludo proudly noted his attire: “I am wearing Akwete. My daughter introduced me to it in 2019, and I have made it my daily uniform.”
He pointed out that if every Nigerian is committed to consuming locally made goods, it could instantly generate more than ten million jobs.
Highlighting his administration’s fiscal discipline, Governor Soludo added that Anambra has not borrowed a single dime since he assumed office, and even successfully opted out of a World Bank loan to protect the state from volatile exchange rate shifts.
Governor Soludo reinforced these optimistic macro insights, noting that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have rebounded significantly from USD 3 billion in 2023 to gross reserves of about USD 52 billion, with net reserves topping USD 40 billion.
Soludo however urged stakeholders from both states to commence a process that would drive economic sustainability.
“Let’s keep it simple. Let’s make investments a habit and not an event,” he urged, advocating for a consolidated national marshal plan to translate macroeconomic gains into tangible job creation and poverty reduction; he said.
The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, noted that the Federal Government has laid a solid foundation for macroeconomic development, leaving sub-nationals with the mandate to key in and drive localized growth.
Director General of World Trade Organization, (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, delivering a global perspective, championed economic diversification and digital connectivity to harness the potential of Africa’s tech-savvy youth population, declaring herself a “Nigeria optimist” while highlighting vital windows of opportunity.
Prof. Patrick Lulumba, urged Africans to view themselves as primary investors to fuel the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), warning against a fragmented continental economy and underscoring energy as a critical catalyst for industrial growth.
Earlier, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori described the state as ripe for potential investment opportunities.
