“Nigeria Has Turned the Corner, Economy Now on the Rise” — Soludo Tells Investors at Delta Economic Summit

By Our Reporter

ASABA, DELTA STATE — Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that Nigeria has emerged from its economic turbulence and is now on a path of sustained recovery, citing improved macroeconomic indicators, stronger foreign exchange reserves, and renewed investor confidence as evidence that the country has “turned the corner.”

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” Governor Soludo said the country’s economic fundamentals have become significantly more stable, creating an enabling environment for domestic and foreign investments.

“Nigeria has stabilized. The country is on the rise. The macroeconomic fundamentals are improving, and this is the time for states to position themselves to attract productive investments,” Soludo declared.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria noted that Nigeria’s gross foreign exchange reserves have recorded a remarkable rebound, climbing to approximately 52 billion US dollars, compared to about 3 billion dollars in 2023. According to him, the development signals renewed confidence in the economy and provides a solid platform for long-term investment and sustainable growth.

Anambra’s Fiscal Discipline

Highlighting his administration’s financial management strategy, Governor Soludo revealed that Anambra State has remained debt-conscious since he assumed office, stressing that the state has not borrowed “a single dime.”

He disclosed that his administration deliberately declined a World Bank loan facility to shield the state from the risks associated with exchange rate volatility.

“Since I became governor, Anambra has not borrowed one dime. We even opted out of a World Bank loan because we were determined not to expose the state to exchange rate shocks,” he said.

Soludo maintained that prudent fiscal management remains critical to achieving sustainable development and building investor confidence.

Economic Alliance with Delta

The governor also unveiled plans for stronger economic collaboration between Anambra and Delta States, describing both states as natural economic partners capable of driving regional prosperity.

He revealed that Anambra is developing a world-class Economic Free Trade Zone anchored by an aerotropolis, a modern airport-driven commercial ecosystem designed to attract manufacturing, logistics, and international business.

Drawing a global comparison, Soludo likened the strategic relationship between Anambra and Delta to that of New York and New Jersey, arguing that both states possess complementary strengths capable of transforming the South-East and South-South into a major economic corridor.

“The future lies in regional integration. Anambra and Delta can become what New York and New Jersey are to the United States—a powerful economic hub driven by collaboration rather than competition,” he said.

Sit-at-Home Era ‘Officially Over’

On security and the return of normal social and commercial activities, Soludo pointed to the heavy vehicular movement witnessed in Onitsha on Mondays as evidence that the once-disruptive sit-at-home order has effectively ended.

According to him, the bustling commercial city has resumed full economic activities, reflecting improved security and growing public confidence.

“If you pass through Onitsha on a Monday today, the traffic tells the story. The sit-at-home era is officially over,” the governor stated.

Buy Nigerian, Create Millions of Jobs

Governor Soludo called on Nigerians to deliberately support locally manufactured products, arguing that increased patronage of indigenous goods would significantly boost industrial production and employment.

Using the famous Akwete fabric as an example, he estimated that a nationwide commitment to purchasing Nigerian-made products could generate more than 10 million jobs across the country.

He further advocated for what he described as a consolidated national Marshall Plan to ensure that the gains from macroeconomic reforms translate into tangible improvements in livelihoods, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth.

Economic Leaders Chart Path for Growth

The summit brought together leading policymakers, economists, and development experts who shared perspectives on Nigeria’s economic future.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, said the Federal Government has laid a strong macroeconomic foundation that states can leverage to unlock local economic opportunities and accelerate development.

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged African leaders to prioritize economic diversification, digital infrastructure, and innovation to harness the continent’s youthful population.

Describing herself as “an eternal optimist about Nigeria,” she expressed confidence that the country’s current reforms would ultimately deliver sustainable prosperity.

Renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor Patrick Lumumba, challenged African investors to take full advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing that energy development remains indispensable for industrialization and continental competitiveness.

Earlier, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially declared the summit open, assuring investors that Delta State is ready for business and committed to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting both local and international investments.

The summit served as a major platform for advancing conversations on economic transformation, regional partnerships, and investment opportunities aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s long-term development agenda.