OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN, WORLD IGBO CONGRESS PRESS STATEMENT
GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S “8% GDP” COMMENT DOES NOT REPRESENT NDI IGBO
The World Igbo Congress (WIC), the umbrella organization of Ndi Igbo in the Diaspora, has taken note of recent comments attributed to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, suggesting that the South East contributes only about 8% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that Nigeria would suffer little economic consequence if the region were to collapse. While we appreciate the Governor’s concern about the damaging impact of prolonged sit-at-home disruptions on the South East economy, we respectfully but firmly disagree with both the substance and implications of his remarks. The assertion is fundamentally flawed because it attempts to measure the contribution of Ndi Igbo solely through the GDP generated within the five South Eastern states. The Igbo are one of the most geographically dispersed and entrepreneurial populations in Nigeria. Across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and virtually every part of the country, Igbo-owned businesses, industries, markets, and investments contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and tax revenues. Much of this economic activity is recorded outside the South East and therefore cannot be accurately captured by regional GDP figures alone. Furthermore, the South East has achieved its economic successes despite decades of infrastructural neglect, limited federal investment, inadequate transportation networks, security challenges, and other structural disadvantages. To reduce the contribution of such a resilient and productive people to a simplistic “8%” narrative does not reflect the full reality of the Igbo economic footprint within Nigeria and beyond. Equally concerning is the suggestion that Nigeria would simply move on if the South East were to disappear. Such a proposition diminishes the immense contributions of millions of citizens and ignores the indispensable role Ndi Igbo have played in commerce, industry, education, medicine, science, technology, public service, and national development. At a time when the South East continues to seek greater inclusion, security, infrastructure development, and equitable treatment within the Nigerian federation, statements that appear to minimize the region’s importance risk strengthening narratives that have historically been used to marginalize the Igbo people. Public officials, particularly those occupying positions of leadership and influence, must be mindful that their words carry consequences far beyond the immediate context in which they are spoken. The World Igbo Congress agrees that actions that undermine economic productivity in the South East should be discouraged and that the region must remain focused on growth, investment, education, innovation, and enterprise. However, the case against economic self-harm can and should be made without diminishing the value, relevance, or contributions of the South East. Governor Soludo is entitled to his views, but he does not speak for the entirety of Ndi Igbo, nor does any individual possess the mandate to define the worth of the Igbo nation. The history, achievements, sacrifices, and economic contributions of Ndi Igbo are far too significant to be reduced to a narrow interpretation of regional GDP statistics, worse still, by a professor of economics and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The World Igbo Congress, therefore, wishes to state unequivocally that any narrative—intentional or otherwise—that diminishes the standing, relevance, or contributions of the South East will be challenged wherever it arises. We owe that responsibility to present and future generations of Ndi Igbo. Ndi Igbo remain one of Africa’s most resilient, entrepreneurial, and productive peoples. Their contributions to Nigeria’s economy and development extend far beyond any single statistical measure. That reality is undeniable and should never be understated by friend or foe alike. Issued by the World Igbo Congress (WIC), June 2026.
WORLD IGBO CONGRESS RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S “8% GDP” COMMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN, WORLD IGBO CONGRESS
PRESS STATEMENT
GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S “8% GDP” COMMENT DOES NOT REPRESENT NDI IGBO
The World Igbo Congress (WIC), the umbrella organization of Ndi Igbo in the Diaspora, has taken note of recent comments attributed to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, suggesting that the South East contributes only about 8% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that Nigeria would suffer little economic consequence if the region were to collapse.
While we appreciate the Governor’s concern about the damaging impact of prolonged sit-at-home disruptions on the South East economy, we respectfully but firmly disagree with both the substance and implications of his remarks.
The assertion is fundamentally flawed because it attempts to measure the contribution of Ndi Igbo solely through the GDP generated within the five South Eastern states. The Igbo are one of the most geographically dispersed and entrepreneurial populations in Nigeria. Across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and virtually every part of the country, Igbo-owned businesses, industries, markets, and investments contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and tax revenues. Much of this economic activity is recorded outside the South East and therefore cannot be accurately captured by regional GDP figures alone.
Furthermore, the South East has achieved its economic successes despite decades of infrastructural neglect, limited federal investment, inadequate transportation networks, security challenges, and other structural disadvantages. To reduce the contribution of such a resilient and productive people to a simplistic “8%” narrative does not reflect the full reality of the Igbo economic footprint within Nigeria and beyond.
Equally concerning is the suggestion that Nigeria would simply move on if the South East were to disappear. Such a proposition diminishes the immense contributions of millions of citizens and ignores the indispensable role Ndi Igbo have played in commerce, industry, education, medicine, science, technology, public service, and national development.
At a time when the South East continues to seek greater inclusion, security, infrastructure development, and equitable treatment within the Nigerian federation, statements that appear to minimize the region’s importance risk strengthening narratives that have historically been used to marginalize the Igbo people. Public officials, particularly those occupying positions of leadership and influence, must be mindful that their words carry consequences far beyond the immediate context in which they are spoken.
The World Igbo Congress agrees that actions that undermine economic productivity in the South East should be discouraged and that the region must remain focused on growth, investment, education, innovation, and enterprise. However, the case against economic self-harm can and should be made without diminishing the value, relevance, or contributions of the South East.
Governor Soludo is entitled to his views, but he does not speak for the entirety of Ndi Igbo, nor does any individual possess the mandate to define the worth of the Igbo nation. The history, achievements, sacrifices, and economic contributions of Ndi Igbo are far too significant to be reduced to a narrow interpretation of regional GDP statistics, worse still, by a professor of economics and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The World Igbo Congress, therefore, wishes to state unequivocally that any narrative—intentional or otherwise—that diminishes the standing, relevance, or contributions of the South East will be challenged wherever it arises. We owe that responsibility to present and future generations of Ndi Igbo.
Ndi Igbo remain one of Africa’s most resilient, entrepreneurial, and productive peoples. Their contributions to Nigeria’s economy and development extend far beyond any single statistical measure. That reality is undeniable and should never be understated by friend or foe alike.
Issued by the World Igbo Congress (WIC), June 2026.
Dr. Festus Okere Chairman
Sir Chris Ogara Secretary General
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