Former presidential candidate says unlocking the North’s agricultural strength, human capital, and productivity is key to reducing poverty and driving national growth.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared Northern Nigeria as the country’s most valuable asset, promising to unlock its immense potential through strategic investments and purposeful leadership.

Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders, Obi highlighted the region’s vast arable land, strong agricultural base, and large population as critical advantages capable of transforming Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

He stressed that targeted investment in agriculture, education, and productivity would not only lift millions out of poverty but also stimulate sustainable national development. According to him, the North holds the key to Nigeria’s food security, job creation, and long-term economic stability.

Obi argued that with the right policies and leadership, the region could emerge as a major hub for food production and industrial growth, significantly reducing the country’s dependence on imports.

He further called for a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-focused model, insisting that Nigeria must begin to harness its natural and human resources more effectively to compete on the global stage.

His remarks come at a time of intensified national discourse on economic reforms, insecurity, and the urgent need for balanced regional development, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Reaffirming his broader vision, the former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigeria’s progress depends on building a productive, inclusive economy that fully leverages the strengths of every region.