ATIKU: NIGERIA CAN’T IMPORT ITS WAY TO PROSPERITY

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that Nigeria cannot build a prosperous economy through heavy reliance on imports, urging a strategic shift towards local production and industrial revival.

Speaking at an economic roundtable on Tuesday, Atiku stressed that continued dependence on imported goods and services only weakens the naira, destroys local industries, and stifles job creation.

“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We must produce what we eat, wear, and use. Import substitution and export-oriented policies are non-negotiable,” he said.

The PDP chieftain called on the Federal Government to urgently address challenges facing manufacturers, including unstable power supply, high production costs, and harsh regulatory environments.

He advocated for massive investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to reduce import bills and create millions of jobs for the teeming youth population.

Atiku’s remarks have resonated with many business leaders who believe that without deliberate industrialisation, Nigeria’s economic recovery will remain elusive.