Nigeria’s Economic Great Import Addiction: Atiku Prescribes a Production Diet as Economic Waistline Expands

Nigeria’s economic debate took another dramatic turn on Monday after former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, urged the Federal Government to abandon what he described as an import-driven economic model. In a statement released through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the nation’s path to recovery lies not in importing more goods but in boosting production, reviving manufacturing and building a stronger export-oriented economy. The remarks have reignited discussions about whether Nigeria is buying too much, making too little and paying dearly for the imbalance.

While economists continue to debate the best route to growth, Atiku’s comments arrive at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with high living costs, currency pressures and concerns about industrial productivity. His message was straightforward: Nigeria must produce what it eats, manufacture what it uses and export what it makes. In the satirical court of public opinion, however, some observers joked that the country may have become so comfortable importing everything that even common sense could soon arrive in shipping containers.

Atiku Calls for More Local Production to Revive Nigeria’s Economy

Atiku’s central argument is that years of economic policies favouring consumption over production have weakened local industries and increased dependence on foreign goods. According to him, sustainable growth cannot be built on a foundation where imported products dominate local markets while domestic factories struggle to compete. His position reflects a long-standing economic school of thought that prioritises industrialisation, local manufacturing and export expansion as engines of national development.

In satirical fashion, some citizens imagined a national emergency meeting where abandoned factories were asked to explain why they had stopped producing. The factories reportedly replied that they had been waiting patiently for electricity, affordable financing and consistent policies. While fictional, the joke highlights a serious issue frequently raised by industry stakeholders who argue that local manufacturers face significant operational challenges.

Nigeria’s Economic Crisis Is the Result of Bad Policy Choices, Says Atiku

The call for greater production also touches on Nigeria’s broader ambition to diversify its economy beyond dependence on imports and volatile revenue sources. Analysts have repeatedly noted that stronger manufacturing capacity could create jobs, strengthen the value of the local currency and reduce exposure to global supply disruptions. Atiku maintains that the country’s economic recovery requires a deliberate shift toward producing more goods locally and exporting competitively to international markets.

Meanwhile, social commentators humorously suggested that if Nigeria successfully follows the proposed path, future generations may be shocked to discover that the nation once imported items that could easily have been made at home. Others joked that warehouses and shipping agents might soon form support groups if local industries become too successful. Behind the humour, however, remains a serious debate about how best to achieve economic growth, reduce poverty and strengthen national competitiveness.

As discussions continue, Atiku’s intervention has added fresh energy to an ongoing national conversation about the future direction of Nigeria’s economy. Whether policymakers embrace his recommendations or chart a different course, the questions surrounding industrialisation, exports and production are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. OGM News NG will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the debate over Nigeria’s economic future unfolds.