Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a production-driven economic strategy, arguing that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity cannot be achieved through excessive borrowing, import dependence and increased taxation.

Atiku made the remarks while outlining his vision for Nigeria’s economy, insisting that sustainable growth would only come from boosting local production, industrialization and exports.

According to the former vice president, Nigeria’s economic future depends on strengthening domestic production rather than relying heavily on imports and debt financing.

He said the country should focus on increasing agricultural output, supporting local manufacturers and creating an environment that encourages investment and job creation.

“Nigeria cannot borrow, import and tax its way to prosperity. Our economic salvation lies in producing what we eat, manufacturing what we use and exporting what we make,” Atiku said.

Atiku argued that expanding local industries and improving productivity would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, strengthen the naira and generate more employment opportunities.

He also stressed the need for policies that encourage value addition, innovation and competitiveness in key sectors of the economy.

His comments come amid ongoing national conversations about inflation, rising public debt, exchange rate pressures and the cost of living.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the governments of Nigeria and Ghana to institute legal proceedings against South Africa at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, seeking compensation over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants.

Falana made the call amid fresh reports of anti-immigrant violence and protests in parts of South Africa, which have affected foreign nationals, including Nigerians and Ghanaians.

According to Falana, repeated attacks on African migrants and their businesses raise concerns about the protection of the rights and safety of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

He argued that the governments of Nigeria and Ghana should explore available legal mechanisms under African and international human rights frameworks to seek redress for victims and hold those responsible accountable.

The senior lawyer maintained that beyond diplomatic protests, legal action could serve as a stronger deterrent against future attacks.

South Africa has witnessed periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with migrants from several African countries often targeted during episodes of unrest.

The latest wave of anti-immigration protests has reignited concerns across the continent, prompting some African governments to monitor developments closely and engage South African authorities over the safety of their citizens.

In recent weeks, Nigeria has evacuated several citizens from South Africa following heightened tensions and security concerns.

Falana’s proposal comes as African governments continue to emphasise regional cooperation under the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both of which promote the movement of people, trade and continental integration.

Legal experts note that any action before the African Court would depend on jurisdictional requirements, treaty obligations and decisions by the affected governments.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government of Nigeria nor the Government of Ghana had publicly indicated whether they would pursue the legal option suggested by Falana.

The renewed debate highlights broader questions about the protection of migrants’ rights in Africa and the responsibilities of governments to safeguard both their citizens abroad and foreign nationals within their borders.

It also raises important discussions about how regional institutions can respond to recurring xenophobic violence.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to participate in the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where regional leaders are expected to deliberate on pressing issues affecting West Africa.

Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the high-level summit, which brings together Heads of State, government officials and regional policymakers to discuss peace, security, economic integration, democratic governance and sustainable development across the sub-region.

The summit comes at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with growing security concerns, including terrorism, violent extremism, political instability and transnational organised crime.

Leaders are also expected to review efforts aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, restoring democratic governance in member states and addressing the economic challenges facing the ECOWAS community.

Beyond security, the summit will examine initiatives designed to deepen regional trade, improve infrastructure connectivity and promote sustainable economic growth among ECOWAS member states.

The meeting follows a series of ministerial and technical sessions held in Freetown ahead of the leaders’ gathering, where policy recommendations were prepared for consideration by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

As one of ECOWAS’ founding members and largest economies, Nigeria continues to play a pivotal role in advancing regional peace, economic integration and diplomatic engagement.

Vice President Shettima’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to working with neighbouring countries to tackle shared challenges and strengthen regional institutions.

The ECOWAS summit comes at a critical time for West Africa as member states confront security threats, economic pressures and political transitions.

Decisions reached at the meeting are expected to influence regional policies on peace, trade, governance and cooperation in the months ahead.