Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, on Monday said Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic stability had created fresh investment opportunities, urging state governments to work together to drive economic growth and create jobs.

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Soludo said the country’s recent economic reforms had made Nigeria more attractive to investors by creating a more stable and predictable business environment.

The Anambra governor, who said he attended the summit in solidarity with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State, described the state as a close neighbour and strategic partner.

“I am here in solidarity with my neighbour, Delta State, and with my friend, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This summit is very important, and I am delighted to be here,” Soludo said.

He apologised for arriving late because of traffic and disclosed that he rescheduled official engagements in Anambra to attend the summit because of its importance.

Although invited to deliver a goodwill message, Soludo said the discussions at the summit highlighted critical issues about Nigeria’s economy and the role of sub-national governments in attracting investment.

He noted that recent reforms introduced by the Federal Government had strengthened macroeconomic stability, improved foreign exchange reserves and created a more predictable environment for local and foreign investors.

“From a macroeconomic standpoint, Nigeria has become more stable, and that is something we should celebrate because we know where we are coming from,” he said.

The governor recalled that shortly after assuming office, his administration withdrew Anambra State from a World Bank loan programme because of concerns over exchange rate risks.

According to him, although the loan initially attracted little or no interest, it would have become significantly more expensive following the depreciation of the naira.

“If you borrow in foreign currency and the exchange rate later doubles, the actual cost of that loan also increases significantly. That was why we decided to pull out,” he explained.

Soludo, however, said the situation had changed as Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves improved and the exchange rate became more stable.

He expressed confidence that the improved economic environment would encourage more investors to bring capital into the country.

The governor, however, stressed that no state could achieve sustainable economic development in isolation.

He called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments and local governments to ensure that ongoing economic reforms translated into better living conditions for Nigerians.

Soludo specifically urged Delta and Anambra states to strengthen their partnership, especially following the completion of the Second Niger Bridge.

“The Second Niger Bridge has brought our states closer together. Delta and Anambra should now see themselves as twin economic centres and work more closely in areas of mutual benefit,” he said.

He said both states could collaborate in trade, industrialisation, infrastructure development and investment promotion.

Soludo disclosed that Anambra was developing a new commercial and industrial city powered by an aerotropolis, adding that both states could learn from each other’s development initiatives.

The governor also commended the organisers of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit for focusing on practical outcomes.

“I am happy to hear that this summit is not just another talk shop. What matters is the investment deals and partnerships that will emerge after the discussions,” he said.

He advised governments to make investment promotion a continuous process rather than organising investment summits without implementing their outcomes.

“Investment should become a habit, not just an event,” Soludo added.

The Anambra governor also advocated greater support for locally made products as a strategy for creating jobs and strengthening the economy.

He lamented that many Nigerians still depended heavily on imported goods despite the country’s strong textile and fashion industry.

Using his attire as an example, Soludo said he now wears locally produced fabrics almost exclusively after discovering a fabric made in a community in Abia State.

According to him, the decision had helped increase demand for the product, creating more income and employment for local producers.

“If all Nigerians deliberately wore Made-in-Nigeria clothing, we could create millions of jobs across the country,” he said.

He suggested that future investment summits should encourage participants to wear locally made outfits to promote indigenous industries.

“I hope that at future summits, we can proudly showcase Made-in-Nigeria products because supporting local industries is one of the fastest ways to create jobs and grow our economy,” he said.

Soludo congratulated the Delta State Government for organising the summit and expressed hope that the discussions would translate into tangible investments and economic growth for the state and the country.