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Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has declared that Aba’s vibrant garment and footwear industry possesses the potential to generate revenue comparable to Nigeria’s oil sector, provided it receives the necessary management, infrastructure, and policy support.
Obi made the assertion during a visit to the commercial city of Aba on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the invitation of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. He engaged with stakeholders of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) and granted a one-hour interview on Magic FM, describing it as his first radio and television appearance of the year.
“Aba remains one of the cities that will contribute immensely to moving Nigeria from consumption to production,” Obi stated. “It is a renowned hub for garment and shoe production. Both products garments and shoes remain top foreign exchange earners, generating as much revenue as oil does for countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam respectively. They can do the same for Nigeria if well managed and supported.”
Obi commended Senator Abaribe for the warm reception and coordination during the visit. He also praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his ongoing efforts to develop Aba, popularly known as Enyimba City, highlighting infrastructure improvements and initiatives that are revitalizing the city’s industrial base.
The former governor emphasized that with strategic investments in power, technology, skills development, and an enabling environment, Aba’s small and medium-scale enterprises in garments and footwear could scale significantly, creating jobs, boosting exports, and diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from over-reliance on oil.
This statement aligns with Obi’s long-standing advocacy for a production-oriented economy, where indigenous industries like those in Aba drive sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and national prosperity.