Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says his administration is in a determined race to position the state as a global industrial hub through strategic international partnerships.
Speaking in Awka during a courtesy visit on Tuesday by European Union Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Soludo emphasised that Anambra cannot afford to delay its development agenda amid mounting environmental and economic pressures.
“We are in a haste to build a new, sustainable society,” the governor stated, underscoring the urgency behind the New Sustainable Anambra vision.
Describing Anambra as the “Light of the Nation” and a strategic gateway to the southeast, Soludo unveiled ambitious plans that include a New Industrial City and a pioneering Aerotropolis project designed to reposition the state as a key commercial nerve centre in West Africa.
Financing infrastructure and the rail master plan
According to him, a comprehensive rail master plan has already been completed and is awaiting substantial funding.
“The plan is there, waiting for huge funding opportunities. We are looking toward models such as the EU’s Marshall Plan for effective development financing,” he said. Soludo’s New Sustainable Anambra blueprint seeks to align the state with these global development patterns.
A major focus of the engagement was the environmental crisis confronting Anambra. The governor described flooding and gully erosion as existential threats that could permanently alter the state’s geography if not urgently addressed.
“Green is the way to go. It is no longer optional; it is necessary for our survival,” Soludo stressed, adding that climate adaptation and environmental sustainability must be mainstreamed across development policies.
Integration of green financing strategies
Anambra is among the most erosion-prone states in SA, with severe gully erosion sites threatening communities and infrastructure. The New Sustainable Anambra strategy therefore integrates green financing, environmental remediation, and climate resilience into its core framework.
Soludo made it clear that his administration is seeking business partnerships rather than humanitarian assistance. “We are ready with the briefcase for business, not just asking for charity,” he declared, reiterating that aid must align with long-term economic viability.
Another pillar of the New Sustainable Anambra agenda is the urgent dredging and development of the Onitsha Seaport, officially designated as a Port of Origin. Soludo explained that activating the inland port would significantly reduce logistics costs and boost export capacity.
He also revealed plans to construct a 50km gas pipeline to harness the state’s gas reserves and power industrial hubs.
The EU global gateway initiative
Ambassador Mignot introduced the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy during the visit. The initiative is the EU’s flagship framework aimed at strengthening smart, clean, and secure global connections in digital technology, energy, and transport.
“State governments are the primary engines of national growth,” Mignot said, noting that the EU views subnational partnerships as critical to sustainable development. He reaffirmed that the EU remains a strong partner of Nigeria and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation under the Global Gateway Strategy.
The ambassador also reflected on the intellectual heritage of the region, referencing the global literary influence of Chinua Achebe. He expressed delight that the state’s international airport bears Achebe’s name, describing it as a fitting tribute to cultural and intellectual excellence.
The visit coincided with activities marking Founder’s Day and the 16th convocation ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), where Ambassador Mignot served as keynote speaker.
Commitment to inclusive governance
Vice-Chancellor Kate Omenugha highlighted the university’s alignment with the state’s sustainability goals, noting that environmental research and climate resilience initiatives form part of its academic priorities.
Mignot commended Soludo’s administration for its commitment to gender inclusion and participatory governance. He emphasised that partnerships must extend beyond infrastructure to include social governance reforms and inclusive policy frameworks.
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