South East Governors Push for Unified Economic Bloc as VP Shettima Launches Vision 2050 Blueprint

Governors from Nigeria’s South East region collectively emphasized the need for greater economic integration during a stakeholder forum where Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the South East Vision 2050 (SEV2050) blueprint. Organized by the South East Development Commission (SEDC) at the International Conference Centre in Enugu on Wednesday, the event highlighted strategies to transform the region into a cohesive economic powerhouse. The governors, led by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, argued that the five states could no longer operate independently, proposing a “South East Common Market” to merge commerce, talent, and industrial capabilities.

In his address representing the region’s leaders, Mbah called for reimagining the South East as a single economic bloc, stating, “For too long, we have looked at our five states as individual islands, but the era of the solitary path is over.” The governors stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to address global economic trends that favor integrated regions capable of scaling infrastructure, skills, and capital. They warned that fragmentation hinders the South East’s potential, despite its shared heritage and history of collaboration, and praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SEDC as a catalyst for balanced development and national alignment.

The leaders outlined key priorities for action, including developing interstate logistics corridors for seamless movement of goods and people, establishing shared security systems with cross-regional intelligence and rapid response mechanisms, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks to attract investments. They described the Vision 2050 as a framework for tackling trans-state challenges, urging immediate steps like a jointly funded feasibility study to turn plans into reality.

Vice President Shettima, in officially opening the forum, commended the Vision 2050 as a shift from ineffective short-term plans to long-term structural transformation. He clarified that the SEDC is a results-oriented institution focused on jobs, productivity, and growth, while acknowledging the region’s post-civil war challenges that necessitate targeted planning. Shettima also announced President Tinubu’s approval of the South East Investment Company Limited, which will collaborate with the SEDC to mobilize funding from the diaspora, capital markets, and development institutions to bridge infrastructure gaps and enhance competitiveness.

The forum was attended by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and a representative for Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, alongside Enugu’s Mbah. Other participants included ministers, representatives from international development agencies, industry captains, and heads of federal and state agencies, demonstrating widespread commitment to the region’s development agenda.