Governor Mbah Advocates South East Common Market, Calls for Regional Economic Integration

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has called for the creation of a common market across the South East, arguing that deeper economic integration among the region’s states is essential for long-term growth and competitiveness. The proposal was made during the South East Vision 2050 (SEV2050) Regional Stakeholder Forum held in Enugu, where Vice President Kashim Shettima formally declared the forum open.

A Push for Regional Economic Unity

Speaking at the event, Mbah stressed that the South East could no longer function effectively as five separate economic entities. According to him, the future of regional prosperity lies in collaboration, integration, and shared infrastructure that would allow the region to compete more effectively within Nigeria and globally.

The governor proposed the establishment of a South East Common Market, describing it as a framework that would unify commerce, talent, and industrial capacity across state lines. He explained that such an approach would enable the region to negotiate from a position of strength while unlocking collective economic potential.

Akahi News gathered that Mbah also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC), describing it as an institutional step towards coordinated regional development. He noted that modern economic success increasingly depends on regions that organise themselves into integrated systems rather than operating in isolation.

Infrastructure, Security and Investment Alignment

Mbah emphasised that economic integration must go beyond policy declarations, calling for immediate action in key areas such as logistics, security, and regulatory alignment. He highlighted the need for interstate logistics corridors, improved transport systems, and multi-modal infrastructure to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services.

According to the governor, security should also be treated as “regional infrastructure,” noting that criminal networks operate across state boundaries and require coordinated responses. He advocated enhanced intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration between state and federal security agencies.

He further stressed the importance of harmonising investment processes and regulatory frameworks to make the region more attractive to investors and businesses seeking stability and predictability.

Vision 2050 and Federal Backing

Vice President Shettima, while inaugurating the forum, described the South East Vision 2050 initiative as a departure from short-term development strategies that have historically failed to deliver sustainable results. He stated that the SEDC was designed as a delivery-focused institution aimed at achieving measurable outcomes in job creation, productivity, and economic expansion.

The Vice President also announced presidential approval for the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited, expected to mobilise funding from diaspora investors, development finance institutions, and capital markets to support regional projects.

Observers noted that the initiative reflects a growing emphasis on regional planning as a pathway to national development, particularly in addressing infrastructure gaps and improving competitiveness.

Stakeholder Participation and Regional Outlook

The forum attracted several key stakeholders, including Governors Alex Otti of Abia State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, while Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was represented. Ministers, development partners, and industry leaders were also present, underscoring the broader interest in the region’s economic direction.

Analysts believe that while the proposal signals ambition and strategic thinking, its success will largely depend on sustained political cooperation among the states, consistent funding, and effective implementation mechanisms.

The call for a South East Common Market reflects renewed conversations around regional collaboration as a tool for economic transformation. Whether the proposal translates into tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but it highlights an emerging consensus that coordinated planning may be key to unlocking the region’s full economic potential.

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