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The Nigerian Economic Society, NES, South-South Zone led by Professor Mercy Ada Anyiwe, has urged federal and state governments to institutionalize evidence-based policymaking, strengthen regional cooperation, and harness Artificial Intelligence and digital technology to drive sustainable economic transformation in the South-South.
Daily Independent learnt this from a UNIBEN Professor of Development and Health Economics in a Communiqué issued at the end of the 2026 South-South Economic Summit held from July 14 to 15 at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, which was made available to Journalists today, being Saturday, July 25, 2026, as the group urges evidence-based policies in the country.
NES in the Communiqué had tasked South-South stakeholders, FGN, and State Governments on the need to adopt AI-driven technologies, promote economic transformation, favourable policies and a business environment to unlock the potentials of Nigeria’s South-South Zone for regional development in Nigeria.
NES-SSZ Communique stated that the two-day summit, themed: “‘Unlocking South-South Potentials: Sustainability and Transformation; Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development: Issues and Policy’” brought together economists, academics, policymakers, private sector leaders, development practitioners, and students from within and outside the zone.
The Communiqué proffers solutions to Nigeria’s numerous Economic Challenges reads in part: “The Participants observed that despite the South-South’s vast natural resources, human capital, maritime assets, gas reserves, and agricultural potential, the gains have not translated into improved living standards, industrial growth, or inclusive prosperity”.
“That Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic environment, marked by high inflation, exchange rate volatility, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity, continues to undermine productive investment and sustainable growth across the region”.
“The summit identified technology, Artificial Intelligence, digital innovation, and the knowledge economy as critical pathways for diversification and competitiveness. It also stressed that the global shift to cleaner energy presents both risks and opportunities for the South-South, and called for strategic investments in renewable energy, gas commercialization, environmental restoration, and the blue economy”.
“Delegates further emphasized that human capital development through quality education, technical skills, healthcare, and entrepreneurship remains central to the region’s transformation”.
“To achieve this, the NES resolved that governments at all levels should reinforce development planning, strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems, and deepen collaboration with universities and research institutions”
“The BRACED States were urged to pursue a coordinated regional approach through joint investments in transport, power, ports, rail, waterways, and digital infrastructure”.
“The communiqué also recommended curriculum reform in universities, the establishment of interdisciplinary AI research centres, and greater funding for education, health, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship”.
“The summit recommended that the Federal Government prioritize long-term development planning anchored on macroeconomic stability and productivity, while BRACED State governments should develop a common regional economic plan and promote youth employment, industrial clusters, and cross-border economic cooperation”.
“NES tasked universities with strengthening applied research and industry linkages, and the private sector with increasing investment in manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology-based enterprises”.
“In its declaration, NES stated further that the sustainable development of the South-South cannot rest on resource endowment alone, but must be driven by visionary leadership, institutional excellence, technological innovation, and inclusive policies”
“Participants pledged to expand economic scholarship and foster strategic cooperation among government, academia, industry, and civil society. The communiqué was adopted unanimously on July 15, 2026, as the consensus position of participants on priorities to unlock the South-South’s economic potential”.
