Economy
Senator Ezea calls for rural development to boost Nigeria’s GDP by 30%
DDM News

Senator Okey Ezea has urged the federal government, as well as both local and international investors, to focus on Nigeria’s rural communities to unlock the country’s economic potential.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Sen Ezea believes that with deliberate policy actions, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could grow by 30% in the next five years.
Speaking at a forum in Nsukka, Enugu State, Senator Ezea, who represents Enugu North in the 10th Senate, emphasized that rural development holds the key to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He explained that the country’s GDP, which is currently estimated by the World Bank at about $1.315 trillion, could surpass $2 trillion if the untapped resources in rural areas are fully harnessed.
Rural areas as economic hubs
Senator Ezea noted that rural communities contribute approximately 25% to Nigeria’s GDP despite making up more than 45% of the total population.
He argued that with the right investments, policies, and infrastructure, the economic output of these communities could be significantly improved, leading to a major boost in national revenue.
“When I talk about rural development, I do not mean transforming villages into urban centers,” Senator Ezea clarified.
“Rather, I am referring to unlocking the economic potential that exists in these areas, channeling investments into agriculture, trade, and local industries to create wealth and employment.”
According to Senator Ezea, one of the biggest obstacles to rural economic growth is the lack of investment.
He pointed out that most businesses and investors tend to overlook rural communities, despite the vast opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing.
Investment in agriculture and value chains
Senator Ezea stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s rural economy.
He highlighted the need for increased investments in the agricultural sector, especially in processing and value addition.
“There is a lot of wealth hidden in our rural communities, especially in agriculture and its vast value chains,” he stated.
“Unfortunately, many investors do not see the potential in processing crops like yams, cassava, cocoa, and oil palm into finished products that can compete in global markets.”
He further explained that investing in modern farming techniques, mechanization, and agro-industrialization would not only boost food production but also create millions of jobs and reduce rural-to-urban migration.
Government’s role in rural development
According to Senator Ezea, the government must play a leading role in making rural communities more attractive for investment.
He urged federal, state, and local governments to prioritize the provision of infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and irrigation systems, to enable economic activities to thrive in these areas.
“One of the major challenges that discourage investments in rural areas is the poor state of infrastructure,” he said.
“If the government can build good roads, provide irrigation facilities, and support mechanized farming, investors will naturally be drawn to these communities.”
Senator Ezea also called for targeted financial policies to assist small-scale rural entrepreneurs.
He pointed out that access to affordable credit remains one of the biggest challenges for farmers and rural business owners.
Financial support for rural entrepreneurs
The senator emphasized that financial institutions should be made to play a more active role in rural development.
He referenced past initiatives like the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank (NARDB), which was designed to provide low-interest credit to rural farmers and businesses.
However, Senator Ezea expressed concerns that such funds are often mismanaged or diverted to political cronies.
He proposed that disbursement of rural development funds should be done through microfinance banks (MFBs) to ensure transparency and accessibility.
“If we want these funds to reach the real farmers and rural entrepreneurs, then we must eliminate political interference,” he said.
“Microfinance banks that operate in local communities should be used as distribution channels.
This way, loans will be given to those who genuinely need them, and repayments will be more effective.”
He added that by empowering rural business owners with financial support, the country would witness a surge in local production, leading to increased exports and improved foreign exchange earnings.
Tackling rural-urban migration
Senator Ezea also highlighted the link between rural development and migration patterns.
He noted that many young Nigerians leave their villages for cities in search of opportunities because of the lack of jobs and infrastructure in rural areas.
“If we invest in rural communities, people will have no reason to migrate to overcrowded cities where they often struggle with unemployment and poor living conditions,” he said.
“A thriving rural economy will help balance development across the country and reduce social problems associated with urban congestion.”
He further stressed that rural economic empowerment would lead to the emergence of thriving small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which could serve as the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
Potential for a 30% GDP growth
Senator Ezea remains optimistic that with intentional investments and policy shifts, Nigeria could achieve a 30% increase in GDP within five years.
He reiterated that the country’s traditional agricultural resources, if properly utilized, could propel Nigeria into becoming a global leader in food production.
“If we fully explore the value chains of our agricultural products—such as processing cassava into starch, converting oil palm into different industrial products, and adding value to cocoa—we can dominate international markets,” he stated.
He urged both the government and private sector to see rural development as an economic imperative rather than a social responsibility.
Conclusion: A call for action
As Nigeria continues to search for solutions to its economic challenges, Senator Ezea believes that rural development must be at the forefront of national planning.
He called on policymakers, investors, and development agencies to work together in transforming Nigeria’s rural economy.
“If we do the right things, I have no doubt that the 30% GDP growth I am projecting will not only be achieved but even surpassed,” he said.
“Nigeria has all it takes to be a global economic powerhouse, and it starts with investing in our rural communities.”
Senator Ezea’s passionate advocacy for rural development has reignited conversations about the need for strategic investments outside Nigeria’s urban centers.
As the government and private sector deliberate on economic reforms, his call for a renewed focus on rural opportunities may offer a viable path to national prosperity.
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