Arch. Peter Agada, the presidential aspirant of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), told reporters in Abuja on Monday that Nigeria must cease exporting raw commodities without first adding value, a practice he says limits foreign‑exchange earnings and broader economic growth.
He explained that his 2027 election blueprint would place reliable electricity at the centre of a nationwide industrialisation drive, beginning at the ward level. "Industrialisation can only take off when power is stable and policies encourage investment from the grassroots up," Agada said.
Agada said his government would make rural communities attractive to agro‑allied firms capable of processing farm produce for export, thereby generating foreign exchange. "Our villages will host processing plants that add value before shipping abroad, ending the habit of sending raw materials and receiving peanuts in return," he added.
The candidate also pledged to rally Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to build a nation they can proudly call their own, emphasizing the need to leverage existing strengths while addressing systemic weaknesses.
On the political front, Agada appealed to the country’s elite, regardless of party, to allow voters to choose leaders freely at every level. He warned that appointing officials based on ethnic or religious considerations must become a relic of the past.
What policies will support the industrial push?
- Expansion of power infrastructure to ensure consistent supply across all wards.
- Incentives for private investors to set up processing facilities in agricultural zones.
- Creation of a regulatory framework that streamlines approvals for agro‑allied projects.
How will the diaspora be involved?
Agada plans to launch outreach programmes that encourage Nigerians abroad to invest in local enterprises and contribute skills to the nation’s development agenda.
"Enough of sending raw materials only to collect peanuts in return," he reiterated, underscoring his commitment to a value‑added export strategy.
If implemented, these measures aim to transform Nigeria’s export profile, boost foreign‑exchange reserves and create jobs, positioning the country for sustainable growth beyond the 2027 polls.