Delta Investment Summit: Soludo Says ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ Products Can Boost Job Creation

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged Nigerians to embrace Made-in-Nigeria products, saying greater patronage of locally manufactured goods could create millions of jobs and accelerate the country’s economic growth.

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, Soludo said Nigeria’s quest for industrialisation and economic prosperity would remain incomplete if governments, businesses and citizens continued to rely heavily on imported products.

He stressed that while attracting foreign investment remains important, Nigeria must deliberately strengthen domestic production and support local manufacturers to unlock sustainable economic development.

According to him, every Nigerian has a role to play in building the economy by choosing locally made products whenever possible.

“We cannot create the kind of jobs that we want with all of us patronizing foreign imported goods.”

Soludo explained that increased demand for locally produced goods would stimulate manufacturing, create employment opportunities and encourage businesses to expand operations across the country.

Using the locally produced Akwete fabric as an example, the Anambra governor said his decision to consistently wear the fabric had contributed to increased production, higher incomes and more employment opportunities for the women who produce it.

“If all of us, more than 47 million Nigerians, wear only Made-in-Nigeria, more than 10 million jobs will be created.”

He also noted that Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic environment, driven by recent Federal Government reforms, has created a more favourable climate for investment.

According to Soludo, exchange rate stability, stronger foreign reserves and improved fiscal discipline have positioned the country to attract both domestic and foreign investors.

The governor, however, emphasised that investment should become a continuous process rather than a one-off event, urging state governments to create enabling environments where businesses can thrive beyond investment summits.

He further called for stronger collaboration among Nigerian states, suggesting that neighbouring states should work together to maximise economic opportunities instead of operating in isolation.

Speaking directly to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Soludo encouraged the state to continue leveraging its strategic advantages while ensuring its development model inspires other states across Nigeria.

He maintained that supporting local industries remains one of the fastest ways to create jobs, reduce poverty and build a resilient economy capable of competing globally.

The Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 brought together government officials, investors, business leaders, development partners and policymakers to explore strategies for attracting investment, promoting industrialisation and accelerating economic growth in Delta State.