Redressing Political Marginalization Through Economic Inclusion: The Case for the South-East.

If Nigeria, through its power structures and political elite, continues to systematically marginalize the Igbo people from political leadership, then any meaningful path to national stability and unity must involve deliberate, large-scale economic integration, investment, and empowerment of the South-East. Anything less would sustain the perception, and reality, of injustice. If Political Power is Denied,…

Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
2–4 minutes

If Nigeria, through its power structures and political elite, continues to systematically marginalize the Igbo people from political leadership, then any meaningful path to national stability and unity must involve deliberate, large-scale economic integration, investment, and empowerment of the South-East. Anything less would sustain the perception, and reality, of injustice.

If Political Power is Denied, Economic Empowerment Must Be the Minimum Alternative:

Here are realistic, impactful strategies that can be pursued or demanded to economically placate the Igbo people, though nothing short of justice will ever truly substitute for equity:

  1. Declaration of the South-East as an Economic Development Zone (SEDZ)

Just like Lagos was declared a “commercial hub”, the South-East should be formally designated as a Special Economic Development Zone, with:

Tax incentives for investors

Federal-backed infrastructure renewal

Industrial clusters for tech, auto, and agro-processing

Key cities like Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri and Nnewi can be upgraded as national manufacturing, logistics, and tech centers.

  1. Massive Infrastructure Investment

The lack of federal roads, dry ports, rail lines, and power grids in the South-East is a deliberate economic strangulation.

Demand:

Completion and expansion of the Second Niger Bridge corridors.

Completion of Eastern Railway Corridor and inland dry ports in Aba and Onitsha.

Gas pipelines and industrial power hubs (why is AKK pipeline bypassing the region?)

Upgrade Akanu Ibiam and Sam Mbajwe Airports into regional cargo and aviation hubs.

  1. Establishment of a Federal Tech and Innovation Park in the South-East

Nigeria can create a federally sponsored tech city in Enugu or Nnewi, focused on:

Robotics, electronics (leveraging Aba/Nnewi skills)

Software outsourcing

Federal contracts for made-in-Nigeria devices

This brings visibility and recurring value to Igbo innovation.

  1. Decentralization of Key Federal Economic Agencies

Why must all major economic headquarters remain in Abuja or Lagos?

Demand relocation or permanent branches of:

Bank of Industry

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)

SMEDAN

Nigerian Customs (South-East Inland Division)

  1. International Trade Corridors through the South-East

A functional seaport in Onitsha (via dredging the Niger) or in Azumini/Opobo should be built.

Igbo businesses must be connected via federal trade corridors to West African markets (e.g. through Cameroon routes).

  1. Federal-Backed Igbo Industrial Credit Guarantee Scheme

Create a ₦500 billion industrial loan guarantee program targeting Aba, Nnewi, Onitsha, and Owerri-based manufacturers and SMEs.

Collateral-free or low-interest loans to expand factories, not mere “trader money” politics.

  1. Quota for Federal Procurement from South-East Firms

Federal agencies should procure at least 15% of their materials and goods (e.g. furniture, shoes, electricals, textiles) from South-East companies.

Aba-made boots and uniforms should supply Police, Army, and NSCDC.

  1. Creation of Igbo Cultural and Knowledge Export Programs

Just like India exports yoga and China promotes Confucius Institutes, Nigeria should leverage the global Igbo diaspora through:

Igbo Language & Culture Institutes

Scholarships to study Igbo tech-driven industries

Festivals and Igbo Business Expos funded by the FG

  1. Constitutional and Fiscal Restructuring (Ultimately Required)

Even with economic concessions, true peace lies in restructuring, enabling regions to control their resources, taxes, and development. The Igbo nation has the human capital and enterprise spirit. What it lacks is institutional access to self-determination within the federation.

Final Word:

Economic pacification must not be a bribe or compensation for injustice.

It should be a strategic investment in national unity. If Nigeria won’t entrust Igbos with the presidency, the least it can do is empower them economically to the level their talents and enterprise deserve.

Otherwise, the country risks incubating future instability.

By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi

http://www.oblongmedia.net

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