The Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that persistent insecurity across Nigeria is preventing citizens from enjoying the benefits of ongoing economic reforms.
Kalu made the assertion on Monday in Sokoto while speaking after commissioning a road project constructed by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu in the Arkilla New Layout area of the state.
The former governor said that while the country’s economy is showing positive signs at the macroeconomic level, insecurity continues to undermine growth and limit the impact of reforms on ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, addressing the nation’s security challenges through adequate investment and stronger measures is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and improving the living conditions of citizens.
“What this country needs is economic expansion so that there can be money, prosperity and goodness for Nigerians. This is what the country needs”
He said that security and economic development are closely linked, noting that businesses, investors and communities can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
The Senator, who described himself as an industrialist, said he had personally conveyed his concerns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the gap between positive macroeconomic indicators and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“Things might look difficult today. Yes, as you can see, I am an industrialist. The macroeconomy is doing well, but the microeconomy is not doing well. I told the President this,” he stated.
The senator commended President Tinubu for efforts aimed at expanding the economy, saying the reforms have yielded positive results at the broader economic level.
However, he noted that the benefits of those reforms have yet to adequately reach many Nigerians, a situation he partly attributed to the security challenges confronting various parts of the country.
He expressed optimism that improved investment in security would create the enabling environment needed for economic gains to trickle down to the grassroots and improve citizens’ welfare.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, urging citizens to continue supporting efforts aimed at fostering peace and national cohesion.
“Nigeria is one, and I will continue to pray and plead for the unity of this country until I die,” he said.
The former governor further commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for inviting him to commission the road projects and lauded the administration’s investment in infrastructure development.
(The Whistler)