By Ajewole Joshua ABNews January 11, 2026
Nigeria’s political leaders have been urged to adopt long-term, technology-driven development strategies similar to those that powered China’s economic rise, as the country grapples with persistent import dependence and slow industrial growth.
In an open national advisory, entrepreneur and business strategist, Adeniyi Adekunle (Samad), said Nigeria’s challenges are not rooted in a lack of resources or talent, but in weak systems, short-term political thinking, and poor policy execution.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful and digitally aware population should be a major advantage, but the economy remains largely consumption-driven and vulnerable to external shocks.
“This is not a destiny problem; it is a leadership and systems problem. China did not stumble into prosperity. It planned, protected, and built its way there,” Adekunle stated.
Call for Long-Term National Planning
Adekunle stressed that one of China’s biggest strengths was policy continuity, urging Nigeria to adopt 20–30 year national development plans protected by law and insulated from political changes.
He said such plans should clearly define priority sectors including manufacturing, energy, agriculture, logistics, and technology, with measurable milestones and stable policies.
“Leadership must move from what benefits my tenure to what secures the next generation,” he said.
Government as Enabler, Not Bottleneck
The business strategist also called for a shift in the role of government from heavy control to strategic support, noting that China created conditions for businesses to grow before pushing them to compete globally.
He urged Nigerian authorities to focus on predictable regulations, transparent taxation, and access to affordable long-term financing, while deliberately supporting promising local companies to become national industrial champions.
Industrialisation Described as Non-Negotiable
Adekunle warned that no country has achieved technological advancement without strong industrial capacity, insisting that Nigeria must reduce import dependence and expand local production in building materials, agro-processing, consumer electronics, and energy equipment.
He added that innovation thrives where engineers, factories, and supply chains exist side by side, calling for the rapid development of industrial parks and production clusters across the country.
Push for Strategic Innovation Zones
Referencing cities like Shenzhen, Adekunle advocated for the creation of special technology and industrial cities in Nigeria with guaranteed electricity, reliable infrastructure, regulatory flexibility, and strong logistics.
According to him, concentrating resources in well-planned innovation zones would allow Nigeria to test policies, grow industries, and scale successful models nationwide.
Education Must Serve Production
Adekunle also criticised the disconnect between Nigeria’s education system and industry needs, noting that the country produces graduates but not enough skilled problem solvers.
He called for stronger emphasis on STEM education, technical training, apprenticeships, and partnerships between universities and industries.
“Education must serve national development, not just certification,” he said.
Learning, Local Innovation, and Market Protection
He further urged policymakers to promote technology transfer and local content development, saying Nigeria must learn from other countries and adapt ideas to local realities rather than focusing on originality.
With over 200 million people, Adekunle said Nigeria’s population should be used as a testing ground for local innovations in payments, housing, energy, and logistics, especially through public procurement and pilot projects.
Demand for Accountability and Faster Execution
On governance, Adekunle called for performance-based systems across ministries and agencies, with clear performance indicators, rewards for success, and consequences for failure.
He said discipline and speed in execution are essential if reforms are to produce real economic impact.
Technology Sovereignty and Infrastructure as Priorities
Adekunle also stressed the need for Nigeria to build local capacity in critical sectors such as telecommunications, data infrastructure, energy systems, food production, and manufacturing, warning that heavy dependence on foreign technology weakens national security.
He described power supply, transport networks, broadband, and logistics as the foundation of any serious technology and industrial strategy.
“Technology cannot survive in darkness or on bad roads,” he noted.
‘Development Is a Choice, Not a Miracle’
In his closing remarks, Adekunle said Nigeria’s future depends on deliberate policy choices, discipline, and strong institutions rather than political speeches.
He urged current leaders to focus on building systems that will outlive their time in office and lift millions out of poverty.
“History will remember not our promises, but our productivity; not our speeches, but our systems,” he said, adding that the real question is whether Nigeria’s leaders are ready to build the future the country deserves.
The advisory was addressed to policymakers, political leaders, and development stakeholders, calling for urgent action to reposition Nigeria through technology-driven industrialisation and long-term national planning.
