Presidential aide Tunde Rahman says the federal government’s current economic reforms, though difficult, are designed to unlock production and export opportunities across the country, with the South-East set to gain the most.
He noted that policies such as merging exchange rates, ending fuel subsidies, and restructuring the tax system have created short-term hardship. However, he argued that these moves are meant to redirect the economy toward manufacturing, trade, and exports where the South-East already has strong foundations.
According to Rahman, key commercial centers in the region are being directly tied to federal support programs. Aba’s push for locally made goods, Onitsha’s extensive trading network, and Nnewi’s industrial base are now linked to government grants, Central Bank intervention funding, and export incentives aimed at scaling output.He also highlighted infrastructure gains, pointing to the formal handover of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to a concessionaire.
Rahman said the development is expected to strengthen the region’s logistics capacity and position it as a major commercial gateway.In his view, the Tinubu administration is approaching the South-East beyond politics. He stated that the government sees the zone as a core driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth, not just as an electoral constituency.
