By Ghazali Ibrahim
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has argued that agriculture and production, rather than subsidy-driven spending, offer a better path out of poverty for Northern Nigeria.
Obi made the argument during an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Thursday while outlining his approach to tackling poverty and economic hardship in the region.
According to him, Northern Nigeria has vast agricultural potential that remains largely underdeveloped despite the large population and available land.
He said government should focus on investments that allow people to produce and earn, including agriculture, infrastructure and human capital, instead of relying mainly on interventions that provide temporary relief.
Obi’s position reflects his wider argument that Nigeria must shift from a consumption-based economy to one driven by production.
He also linked economic hardship to insecurity, arguing that poverty, unemployment and the inability of people to earn sustainable livelihoods have consequences for stability.
The former Anambra governor has made economic restructuring, job creation and human capital development central themes of his campaign as he prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
