Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has intensified his international economic outreach with a series of meetings in London aimed at strengthening trade relations and attracting investment opportunities for Nigeria.

In a statement shared on Friday via his X-Handle, Obi disclosed that he met with stakeholders in British politics and the business community, including Lord Jonathan Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

According to him, discussions centred on expanding prospective trade partnerships, improving economic cooperation, and advancing strategies to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

Obi said the engagements underscored the importance of building a resilient economy driven by productive sectors, particularly agriculture and manufacturing, which he identified as critical to job creation and long-term national development.

He argued that Nigeria’s economic transformation depends heavily on deliberate support for MSMEs, describing them as the backbone of sustainable growth and employment generation.

Drawing comparisons with rapidly developing economies such as China, Indonesia and Vietnam, Obi noted that countries that prioritise small businesses and productive investment consistently achieve stronger and more inclusive economic outcomes.

He maintained that Nigeria must adopt similar models by creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, improving access to finance, and strengthening infrastructure that supports small and medium-scale enterprises.

The former governor reiterated that MSMEs remain central to his vision for economic recovery and inclusive prosperity, stressing that targeted policies supporting small businesses would significantly reduce unemployment and stimulate nationwide development.

Obi concluded that with sustained commitment to economic reforms and enterprise development, Nigeria can achieve a “new and revitalised” economy capable of lifting millions out of poverty.

“A new and revitalised Nigeria is possible,” he said. (The Guardian)

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