Highlighting the economic significance of Aba, Obi reiterated his call for Nigeria to shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based model, emphasizing the city’s strength in local manufacturing.

 

“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 said.

 

Drawing comparisons with global markets, Obi noted that garments and footwear generate substantial national income in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, adding that Nigeria could achieve similar success with the right policies and support systems.

 

“Both products—garments and shoes—earn as much as we earn from oil for Bangladesh and Vietnam respectively and can do so for Nigeria if well managed and supported,” he added.

 

His remarks have renewed conversations around the untapped potential of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and the role of cities like Aba in driving economic diversification.