Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has expressed profound concern over Nigeria’s absence from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, calling it a “reflect[ion]” on the nation’s leadership failures.
In a statement on Thursday, Mr Obi noted he had “read with keen interest” the recent IMF report but could not “help but reflect on Nigeria’s absence from that list.” He argued that the featured nations are not richer in natural resources but have become “richer in discipline, leadership, and commitment to improving their people.”
The presidential candidate highlighted the contrast in economic priorities, stating these growing economies are “investing in critical areas of development education, healthcare and pulling people out of poverty, while ensuring fiscal prudence and stability.”
In contrast, he lamented that Nigeria’s economy “continues to struggle under the weight of poor policy choices, corruption, and waste.” He called for a return to the basics: “production over consumption, human capital over patronage, and governance over politics.”
Asserting that Nigeria has the potential to lead, not just join, the top economies, Obi declared, “What we need is competent and compassionate leadership, one that sees governance as a call to service, not as a transaction for criminal acquisition of unearned wealth.”
He concluded with a message of hope, stating, “If smaller nations can grow their economy through discipline and commitment… then the giant of Africa must awaken. A New Nigeria is Possible.”
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