By Paul Nwosu
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, visits Anambra State on Thursday, May 8, 2025, his presence marks a milestone in federal-state cooperation and signals a significant boost to infrastructural and economic development in Nigeria’s Southeast. The visit, centered on commissioning key projects executed by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, underscores the spirit of collaboration between both tiers of government and reflects a shared commitment to the region’s progress.
Governor Soludo’s administration, in less than three years, has delivered remarkable projects. From road infrastructure and urban renewal to human capital development, his government has built upon the foundation laid by his predecessor to ensure sustainable development in Anambra State. President Tinubu’s commissioning of these projects not only affirms federal endorsement of Soludo’s vision but also sends a clear message to investors and development partners that Anambra is open for business.
The President’s physical presence on Anambra soil also provides Governor Soludo a rare opportunity to bring to his attention some of the state’s pressing needs. As an Anambra proverb wisely puts it: “He who gets the rare chance to climb the iroko tree must gather all the firewood he can, for such opportunities are not everyday affairs.”
While the state’s joint security task force and the newly constituted Agunechemba are confronting security challenges, federal support remains vital. Given Anambra’s strategic location as the gateway to Nigeria’s eastern heartland, increased federal investment in surveillance and intelligence gathering would greatly enhance precision in security operations.
It would also be fitting for Governor Soludo to remind the President of the need to fast-track the release of Nnamdi Kanu and to pursue the extradition of the Finland-based Nigerian accused of inciting violence in the Southeast. These actions would help separate freedom fighters from outright criminals, allowing law enforcement to better identify and deal with genuine threats.
Governor Soludo should waste no time in bringing the dangerous threat of Erosion to the attention of President Tinubu. Anambra State, despite being one of the smallest in land mass, bears the tragic burden of being the erosion capital of Nigeria, a crisis far beyond the financial capacity of the state government to manage alone. The scale and severity of the gully erosion ravaging communities across Anambra demand urgent federal intervention. It is not just an environmental concern but a national emergency threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgent necessity, rise to the occasion and provide the necessary support and resources to tackle this escalating menace.
President Tinubu’s visit is a timely opportunity to advocate for the designation of Anambra as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With projects like the pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Ogboji and the ongoing development of industrial parks, an SEZ status would provide critical tax incentives, stimulate manufacturing, and attract foreign direct investment.
The Federal Government should also collaborate with the state to establish a tech-focused federal institution in Anambra to harness the potential of its vibrant youth population. Governor Soludo’s Solution Innovation District (SID) is already laying the groundwork for an “Anambra Silicon Valley,” having trained tens of thousands of youths in digital skills. The One Youth, Two Skills program has also empowered many with vocational and entrepreneurial skills. A federal institution would complement these efforts and further position the state as a hub for innovation and the digital economy.
Another crucial area deserving the President’s urgent attention is the full activation of the Onitsha River Port. Despite intermittent discussions and partial revitalization, the port remains grossly underutilized. With enhanced dredging of the River Niger, establishment of regular cargo barge operations, and a strengthened customs presence, Onitsha Port can evolve into a logistics powerhouse, rivaling Lagos and Port Harcourt. This would ease the burden on land transport, reduce logistics costs, and improve business competitiveness in Onitsha, Nnewi, and beyond.
Similarly, the Federal Government should support the expansion of cargo handling and customs clearance facilities at the Chinua Achebe International Airport. Enhancing this airport’s capacity will promote its role as an export hub for both agricultural produce and manufactured goods.
In a commendable development, the Federal Executive Council on May 5 approved the establishment of the Nigerian Cocoa Board to regulate and revitalize one of the nation’s key non-oil export commodities. This initiative is a positive step toward economic diversification and rural development.
However, this momentum should be extended to the palm oil sector. Governor Soludo’s energetic revival of palm cultivation, in the tradition of Dr. Michael Okpara, the visionary Premier of the former Eastern Region, is already bearing fruit across Anambra communities. The creation of a Nigerian Palm Produce Board would incentivize farmers, structure the palm oil value chain, boost exports, and generate employment.
President Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State is more than ceremonial. It is a powerful endorsement of good governance at the subnational level. It presents a timely opportunity to strengthen the bond between Abuja and Awka and to prioritize infrastructure, industry, and innovation as pillars for Southeast development. With bold leadership from both ends, the aspirations of the Anambra people for progress, prosperity, and partnership can be fully realized.
*Sir Paul Nwosu, PhD, writes from Awka.