Peter Obi Calls For ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ In Speech At Liverpool John Moores University

LIVERPOOL, UK – Labour Party leader and presidential candidate Peter Obi delivered a keynote address at Liverpool John Moores University, urging member nations of the Commonwealth to leverage the collective potential of the organisation for economic prosperity.

Obi, speaking at an event hosted by The Liverpool Commonwealth Association, highlighted the significant resources of the Commonwealth – a population of over 2.5 billion, a GDP exceeding $13 trillion, and a youthful demographic.

He emphasised the need for member nations to harness these resources through trade, investment, and innovation.

“The Commonwealth presents great opportunities for growth and development amongst member nations if properly harnessed,” Obi said.

“By lowering barriers to trade, encouraging investment, and deepening cooperation, we can transform our economies, ensuring that the prosperity of one nation lifts many others.”

Obi specifically addressed the need for Nigeria, a Commonwealth member, to increase its productivity and economic contributions.

He advocated for increased investment in agriculture, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and a commitment to the rule of law to attract investment.

“We must clothe our nation in the garment of productivity and set the wheels of production in motion,” Obi stated.

“By aggressively investing in agriculture, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through favorable fiscal and monetary policies, and ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law, we can shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-led one.”

Obi’s speech was attended by prominent figures, including Mr. Mark Blundell, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Richard Kemp, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and Tim Nicholl, Vice-Pro Chancellor of LJMU Business School.

The speech comes as Peter Obi continues his international outreach efforts as part of his campaign for the Nigerian presidency.

His focus on harnessing the potential of the Commonwealth aligns with his broader economic agenda, which emphasises productivity, job creation, and inclusive growth.