Why Igbo Cities Remain Nigeria’s Powerhouses of Enterprise and Resilience

I believe cities such as Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi show how indigenous enterprise, private investment and community networks can drive urban growth. Their manufacturers, traders, artisans and distributors continue to create jobs and keep commerce moving despite poor roads, unreliable electricity and other infrastructure gaps. Aba’s industrial clusters, Onitsha’s vast trading networks and Nnewi’s manufacturing ecosystem offer important lessons for Nigeria. Awka, Enugu, Owerri and Abakaliki also strengthen the South-East’s growing network of administrative, commercial, educational and service centres. The region’s entrepreneurial strength needs stronger public support. Better roads, drainage, waste management, electricity, industrial parks and transport links could help these cities compete more effectively and reach export markets. Development partners have also backed infrastructure projects in Abia State, reflecting the scale of the need. This should not be about ethnic rivalry. Other Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Benin City, Uyo and Port Harcourt, have their own strengths. The real competition should be about building productive, well-planned and liveable cities that create jobs and improve living standards.

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