Ukachukwu-Ekwunife Vows to Re‑engineer Anambra’s Industrial and Manufacturing Engine through Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, WTO Leadership

By Tony Ezike

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Dr. Uche Ekwunife CON, have unveiled plans to reposition local businesses to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the leadership of fellow Nigerian Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

As the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election approaches, the duo emphasized leveraging Nigeria’s influential position in global trade to drive industrial growth, attract foreign investment, and boost exports from Anambra’s bustling markets in Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka among others.

Speaking to a cross section of Anambra Women in Awka, Ekwunife stated that “Anambra is the heartbeat of Igbo entrepreneurship, but we’ve been left behind in the global arena, With Dr. Okonjo-Iweala at the helm of the WTO, a Nigerian icon with deep roots in our region, we have a golden window to integrate our manufacturers and traders into international value chains. Our administration will bridge this gap, turning Anambra into Nigeria’s export powerhouse.”

Senator Ekwunife further highlighted their strategic alignment with federal initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “Connecting Anambra to the center is not just rhetoric; it’s essential for tapping into WTO-facilitated trade agreements,”

“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s focus on fair trade, digital economy, and sustainable development aligns perfectly with our vision. We’ll ensure our traders in textiles, auto parts, and agro-products benefit from reduced barriers and global partnerships.” she said.

The Ukachukwu-Ekwunife economic blueprint draws on Anambra’s strengths as a commercial hub, home to Africa’s largest market in Onitsha and Nnewi’s.

If elected, the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife team has vowed to :

1. Leverage WTO agreements and Okonjo-Iweala’s advocacy for reduced tariffs on Nigerian goods to facilitate easier entry into markets like the EU, US, and Asia for Anambra’s auto parts, textiles, and agro-products.

2. Partner with federal government to attract FDI through WTO investment facilitation frameworks by establishing industrial parks and free trade zones in Anambra. Position Anambra manufacturers in global value chains via WTO’s focus on sustainable trade, including training programs and subsidies for SMEs to meet international standards.

3. Utilize WTO digital economy initiatives to digitize trading hubs, enabling online exports and reducing agbero harassment through streamlined logistics.

4. Prioritize security to revive “Think Home” investments, aligning with WTO’s emphasis on stable environments for trade growth. Reduce insecurity-driven losses; facilitate influx of diaspora capital, revitalise sectors like healthcare and education alongside manufacturing.

©️ Ukachukwu -Ekwunife Directorate of Media and Communication