Former Nigerian Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aliyu Wamakko joined several former deputy governors in calling for a renewed national focus on industrial productivity to accelerate economic growth. The appeal was made at the 4th Annual National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, themed “Boosting Nigeria’s Productive Capacity for National Growth and Self‑Reliance: The Role of Leadership, Industry and Innovation in Policy Implementation.”
In his keynote address, Senator Anyim emphasized that, since independence, Nigeria has recognized the importance of industrialisation but has failed to sustain momentum because of political instability, inconsistent policies, and weak national institutions. He argued that the collapse of industrial clusters in key locations was not due to ignorance of their benefits but to policy inconsistency, ethnic tensions, corruption, and a loss of national values. Anyim called for protecting local markets, improving infrastructure, and restoring patriotism in governance to achieve a rapid turnaround in domestic production.
As Conference Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wamakko praised the forum’s tradition of policy‑oriented engagement and urged participants to concentrate on practical measures that will reposition Nigeria’s industrial landscape for competitiveness and sustainability. He highlighted the need for a shared vision and a mutually agreed work plan to build trust, confidence, and development at sub‑national levels.
The forum’s National Chairman, Dr. Chris Akomas, explained that the conference aimed to explore strategic solutions for reviving Nigeria’s productive capacity and building a self‑reliant economy grounded in leadership integrity, industrial growth, and innovation. He noted that the forum continues to provide a refined, unbiased platform for discussing policies capable of driving sustainable growth and unity of purpose.
Attendees—including former deputy governors, policymakers, private‑sector leaders, and development experts—participated in plenary sessions on industrial innovation, leadership accountability, and strategies for policy coherence. The call for renewed commitment to industrial growth underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among government, the private sector, and civil society in designing and implementing innovative strategies that unlock industrial capacity, generate employment, and strengthen economic resilience. By doing so, Nigeria can harness its potential and translate it into tangible growth, sustainable wealth, and an improved quality of life for its citizens.
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