Peter Obi Pushes Production-Driven Economy at ECFR Roundtable in Paris

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for a shift from consumption to production, stronger institutions and deeper international cooperation as he presented his vision for Nigeria’s development during a roundtable discussion in Paris, France.

Obi disclosed his participation in the engagement on Monday, October 19, in a statement shared on social media, saying the meeting took place at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) office in Paris. According to him, the discussion brought together policymakers, diplomats, development experts, representatives of international organizations and members of the international media to examine Nigeria’s future and its place in an increasingly interconnected world.

The former Anambra governor said the conversation focused on development cooperation and ways to strengthen bilateral partnerships that could support economic growth, improve living standards, create productive opportunities and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

He maintained that Nigeria has the human and natural resources needed to become a secure, united and prosperous country, arguing that the challenge lies in translating those resources into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. He identified competent and accountable leadership, investment in people and stronger public institutions as important elements of that process.

Obi has repeatedly argued that Nigeria needs to move away from an economy driven heavily by consumption and imports towards one that produces more goods, creates jobs and adds value to its natural resources. In recent public engagements, he has linked this approach to investment in manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The emphasis on productive enterprise also featured in his recent engagement with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, where he called for policies capable of strengthening local manufacturing and helping Nigerian businesses compete in international markets.

At the Paris discussion, Obi said stronger relationships with international partners could help Nigeria attract opportunities for development cooperation and improve its economic prospects. Such partnerships, he argued, should support sustainable growth and create opportunities for Nigerians rather than remain limited to diplomatic engagement.

The discussion comes as political parties and prospective candidates position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 before joining the NDC, has continued to make economic productivity, public accountability and investment in human development central themes of his political messaging.

In an Independence Day address earlier this month, he also pledged to make governance measurable and focused on citizens’ welfare if elected president, highlighting insecurity, education, healthcare and job creation among the areas requiring attention.

The European Council on Foreign Relations is a pan-European foreign-policy think tank established in 2007. It conducts research and convenes discussions on European and international affairs, with offices in several European capitals, including Paris. Its Paris office provides a platform for policy research, debate and engagement with foreign-policy stakeholders.