By Abraham Amah
The South-East of Nigeria, renowned for its entrepreneurial dynamism and industrial ingenuity, continues to suffer from systemic economic marginalization. Despite the resilience of its people, the region remains plagued by infrastructural neglect, political underrepresentation, and insufficient federal investment—all of which have stifled its full economic potential.
This persistent marginalization is not accidental. It is rooted in decades of post-war economic exclusion, disproportionate fiscal allocations, and the deliberate omission of the region from key national projects. The question that begs for urgent answers is: how long will this be allowed to continue?
While the South-East has thrived largely through private enterprise, its economic growth cannot be sustained without a structured and institutional approach. To address these challenges holistically, it is imperative that the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and the South-East Governors’ Forum (SEGF) work collaboratively with the Federal Government of Nigeria to reverse the economic injustices that have held the region back.
A Legacy of Marginalization
The economic decline of the South-East can be traced to the post-civil war era. The infamous 20 Pounds Policy, which confiscated the savings of war survivors, ensured that the region started its economic recovery from ground zero. The exclusion of Igbo professionals and entrepreneurs from national economic policy-making further weakened their economic prospects.
Decades later, the consequences of this marginalization remain visible. The South-East has the least number of states (five) among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, limiting its share of federal allocations and representation in decision-making. Furthermore, major federal industries, oil refineries, steel plants, and seaports were deliberately sited outside the region, even when it had the capacity to sustain such economic hubs.
Infrastructure Deficits and Industrial Limitations
Infrastructure is a key driver of economic growth, but in the South-East, it remains grossly inadequate. Key roads such as the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, and the Onitsha-Owerri Road have remained in deplorable conditions for years, making transportation of goods and services a nightmare. The absence of a deep-sea port has forced South-East traders—who dominate Nigeria’s import and export business—to rely on ports in Lagos and Port Harcourt, increasing costs and logistical difficulties.
Similarly, the lack of a viable rail network has placed an additional burden on businesses, while erratic electricity supply continues to cripple industries in Aba, Nnewi, and Onitsha. The ingenuity of the people alone cannot substitute for the basic infrastructure needed for economic expansion.
The Role of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and the South-East Governors’ Forum (SEGF)
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) was created to address these infrastructural and economic challenges, similar to how the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was set up to develop the oil-rich Niger Delta. However, for the SEDC to succeed, it must be empowered with sufficient funding, transparency, and a well-defined mandate to oversee economic revitalization in the region.
On the other hand, the South-East Governors’ Forum (SEGF) must move beyond rhetoric and present a unified economic roadmap that prioritizes:
- A regional industrialization master plan that integrates Aba, Nnewi, and Onitsha into a mega-production hub.
- Security reforms that will curb the rising instability in the region and restore investor confidence.
- Collaborations with international investors and the Igbo diaspora to drive industrial investments.
- Pressure on the Federal Government to implement infrastructural projects in the region.
The Federal Government’s Responsibility
While regional collaboration is essential, the primary responsibility for ending economic marginalization rests on the Federal Government. Nigeria cannot achieve inclusive national development while keeping one of its most industrious regions on the margins.
The Federal Government must therefore take the following urgent steps:
- Establish a deep-sea port in the South-East to enhance trade and reduce business costs.
- Revamp road and rail networks linking the South-East to other regions to ease the transportation of goods.
- Increase federal budgetary allocations to the region to correct the decades of infrastructural neglect.
- Ensure fair representation in national appointments so that South-East voices are heard in economic policymaking.
- Support indigenous industrialization initiatives by providing incentives for manufacturing, particularly in Aba, Nnewi, and Onitsha.
Security and Stability as Economic Priorities
No economic plan can succeed in an environment of insecurity and instability. The rise in violent agitations, unknown gunmen attacks, and sit-at-home protests has worsened the economic hardship in the South-East. Many businesses have shut down, and investor confidence is declining.
The solution lies in a balanced security approach that combines intelligence-based policing, economic empowerment programs, and genuine engagement with regional stakeholders. An approach that relies solely on military force will only escalate tensions and further cripple economic activities.
A Call for Action
The economic marginalization of the South-East is a reality that can no longer be ignored. This is not just about fairness or justice; it is about Nigeria’s economic future. A country that stifles the potential of one of its most productive regions is ultimately harming itself.
If the Federal Government is serious about building a strong, diversified economy, then it must integrate the South-East into its national economic strategy. If the SEDC and SEGF are serious about championing the interests of the region, then they must work collaboratively with the Federal Government to demand and implement sustainable economic policies.
The time for talk is over. What the South-East needs is action.
Elder Amah, a prolific commentator on national issues writes from Umuahia, Abia State
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