Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has said his government has not obtained any loans since he assumed office, attributing the achievement to disciplined management of the state’s finances.
The governor made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, where he also expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy is gradually recovering.
According to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, responsible use of public funds allows governments to deliver development projects without relying on excessive borrowing.
He said:
“Nigeria has stabilised and is on the rise. I haven’t borrowed a dime since I became governor.”
Soludo also urged Nigerians to support locally manufactured products, arguing that the country’s dependence on imported goods is limiting job creation and economic growth.
Highlighting the need to patronise Nigerian-made items, he said many people still prefer foreign products, including clothing.
He said:
“We cannot create the kind of jobs we want with all of us using foreign or imported goods.
I look in this room, and I see suits from Europe, America and China.”
The governor estimated that if Nigeria’s projected population of 247 million people consistently bought and wore locally made products, especially clothing, the country could generate more than 10 million jobs.
“If all 247 million Nigerians wear only made-in-Nigeria, more than 10 million jobs will be created,” he added.
