Nigeria should adopt an inclusive regional cooperation among states to drive sustainable development.

Delivering a keynote address at a webinar by the Think Tank for Sustainable Development (TTTSD) in Abuja, Dr Sam Amadi advocated a development model that allows Nigeria’s regions to grow according to their peculiar strengths and priorities.
There are six geopolitical regions in the country: South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, North-East, and North-West.

He argued that empowering regions to innovate and utilise their unique resources would stimulate national growth and improve socio-economic outcomes.
Amadi urged Nigeria to draw lessons from countries such as China, which allowed its vast and diverse regions to develop through innovation and resourcefulness, thereby contributing significantly to national economic growth.

He insisted on adopting a new approach to managing Nigeria’s diversity through strengthened regional development initiatives that leverage each region’s comparative advantages.
Amadi stressed that meaningful socio-economic and sustainable development in Nigeria would depend largely on the government’s respect for the social contract between the state and citizens, the restoration of public trust, the promotion of social justice, and the entrenchment of ethical governance.

The webinar, the first in a planned series, attracted participants from the diaspora, media, academia, and civil society organisations.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, General Chris Abutu Garba (Rtd), noted that the webinar came at a crucial time, when Nigeria faces growing security and developmental challenges, especially as general elections approach.

He emphasised that sustained policy dialogue of this kind could yield practical solutions and help guide citizens in making informed choices during upcoming elections.
The Think Tank announced that subsequent webinars will be held periodically as part of ongoing efforts to promote evidence-based dialogue and national development.