Nigeria’s Local Markets, Catalyst for Economic Growth and Recovery — Anyim

By our Correspondent

Former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim, has urged Nigerians to protect and strengthen the nation’s local markets, describing them as vital to economic recovery and sustainable development.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors held in Abuja, Senator Anyim emphasized that no economy can prosper without deliberate policies that safeguard its domestic production base.

“There is no gainsaying that every successful local productive economy not only enjoys policy protection but also operates within a competitive production environment,” he said. “If we must expect a quick turnaround in local production, we must protect our markets and enhance our operating environment.”

Anyim lamented the weakening of Nigeria’s national institutions and waning sense of patriotism, cautioning that the country’s economic woes cannot be resolved overnight.

“We must accept that there is no magic that can reverse our economic weakness overnight,” he stated. “It would be misleading for anyone to think it is a simple task to reverse our economic misfortunes.”

He called for renewed patriotism and collective responsibility among both leaders and citizens to rebuild the nation.

“For any meaningful respite to be achieved in record time, we need the combined efforts of our leaders and the people to redirect our nation on the path of patriotism and national aspiration,” Anyim said. “Without this, no government’s industrial policy can succeed.”

National Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, noted that nation-building is a continuous journey rather than a sprint.

According to him, the conference was more than just a gathering of leaders; it was a reminder that Nigeria’s destiny rests in the collective will of its citizens.

He described the event as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and practical ideas aimed at boosting industrial productivity, fostering innovation, and improving policy implementation.

“It is an opportunity for government, private sector leaders, innovators, and civil society to jointly explore strategies for national growth and development,” Akomas said.

He further called for a united front where leadership, industry, innovation, and civic responsibility intersect to drive sustainable progress.

“Our leaders must embody integrity and foresight; our industries must be productive and globally competitive; our innovators must be empowered to create solutions; and every citizen must embrace patriotism, discipline, and a shared vision for national development,” he added.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Forum, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, commended the remarkable growth and progress recorded within the organization.

He noted that the Forum has achieved unprecedented stability and unity, fostering stronger collaboration with serving Deputy Governors, who now serve as Associate Members actively supporting the Forum’s initiatives.

Ibe-Kalu also highlighted that one of the major resolutions from last year’s conference has been fulfilled through the establishment of a Peer Review Group to monitor the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This, we believe, will help deepen our democracy and keep the leadership focused on achieving outcomes that truly reflect the aspirations of Nigerians,” he stated.