ASABA / AWKA — Declaring that the enforced Monday sit-at-home in the South-East has effectively been consigned to history, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called for aggressive cross-border economic integration between Anambra and Delta states.
Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” Soludo turned a 15-minute travel delay caused by heavy Monday traffic in Onitsha into a landmark announcement of economic recovery and regional security.
“To have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over.”
— Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State
“New York and New Jersey” — Cross-Border Economic Synergy
Appearing in solidarity with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor Soludo highlighted the geographical and economic interdependence between both states, comparing their relationship to that of New York and New Jersey:
- Free Trade Zone & Aerotropolis: Soludo revealed plans to establish an economic free trade zone anchored by an aerotropolis project in Anambra, urging sub-national governments to pool resources rather than operate in isolation.
- Fiscal Discipline & Zero External Debt: Highlighting his administration’s financial management, Soludo stated that Anambra State has not borrowed any funds since he took office in March 2022. He added that the state opted out of a World Bank loan facility to shield public finances from foreign exchange volatility.
- Support for Made-in-Nigeria Products: Demonstrating his commitment to local industry, Soludo wore his signature Akwete attire, noting that widespread consumption of locally made goods could instantly unlock over 10 million domestic jobs.
Global & National Economic Perspectives
The summit brought together leading financial policymakers, international diplomats, and pan-African intellectuals to address sub-national growth strategies:
- Foreign Reserves Rebound: Governor Soludo pointed out positive macroeconomic indicators, noting that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have rebounded from $3 billion in 2023 to gross reserves of approximately $52 billion, with net reserves topping $40 billion.
- Federal Government Mandate: The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, stated that federal macroeconomic reforms have established a stable foundation, placing the responsibility on sub-nationals to drive localized growth.
- Global Trade & Youth Potential: Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged economic diversification and digital infrastructure investment to harness Africa’s youth potential, describing herself as a “Nigeria optimist.”
- AfCFTA & Pan-African Investment: Prof. Patrick Lumumba called on Africans to become primary investors in their own economies to maximize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), identifying reliable energy as the ultimate catalyst for continental industrialization.
- Delta State Readiness: Host Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emphasized that Delta State is fully open for private sector investments, pointing to infrastructure expansion and security improvements across commercial hubs.
Summit Insights Matrix
EVENT: Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026
HOST GOVERNOR: Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
KEY SPEAKER: Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo (Anambra State)
KEY DECLARATION: End of Monday Sit-at-Home in Onitsha / Anambra State
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO DG), Taiwo Oyedele (Min. of Finance), Prof. Patrick Lumumba
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE: Anambra-Delta Free Trade Zone & Aerotropolis Project
Driving Investment as a Habit
Concluding his address, Governor Soludo challenged sub-national leaders and investors to go beyond policy talk and implement actionable projects. “Let’s keep it simple. Let’s make investments a habit and not an event,” he urged, advocating for a coordinated national marshal plan to translate macroeconomic improvements into direct job creation and poverty reduction.
