By George Ozalla
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has held meetings in London with stakeholders in British politics and the business community, including Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Jonathan Marland, as part of efforts aimed at advancing trade opportunities and economic growth in Nigeria.
Obi disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday following his engagement with Lord Marland, noting that discussions focused on prospective trade opportunities, economic advancement, and the promotion of small businesses across Nigeria.
According to him, “The discussion with Lord Marland held particular importance as it centred on prospective trade opportunities, economic advancement, and the promotion of small businesses throughout Nigeria.”
He stressed that countries experiencing rapid economic growth such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam achieved remarkable progress through deliberate support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
“It is clear that fostering a robust economy and generating employment, as evidenced by rapidly growing nations like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, necessitates a concerted effort to prioritise support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises,” Obi stated.
The former governor further reiterated his long-held position on the importance of MSMEs to Nigeria’s economic future, particularly in the areas of job creation, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“As I have consistently asserted, our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) serve as the driving force behind economic growth, and it is imperative that we provide them with vigorous support to enhance development and create significant employment opportunities, particularly within the agriculture and manufacturing sectors,” he added.
Obi has consistently advocated increased investment in production, entrepreneurship, and small-scale enterprises as part of his broader economic vision for Nigeria.
