Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for Nigeria to shift from a consumption-driven economy to one powered by production, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the transformation.

Obi made the charge on Monday during a visit to the Maison de Helen (MDH) factory, a proudly Nigerian luxury fashion house founded in 1990 by Helen Unuane, now run with her daughter, Elsie Unuane. The brand, renowned for its elegant use of indigenous textiles such as Akwete fabrics, has carved out a niche for itself in the global fashion scene.

“MDH is more than a fashion brand—it is proof that Nigerian creativity and enterprise can compete anywhere in the world,” Obi said after touring the facility.

Highlighting the potential of the global textile and apparel industry—valued at $1.7 trillion and employing over 300 million people—Obi decried Nigeria’s failure to harness opportunities in the sector.

He contrasted Nigeria’s neglect with Bangladesh, where textiles generate about $50 billion annually, more than Nigeria earns from oil.

Currently employing over 50 young Nigerians directly and indirectly, MDH, according to Obi, shows what SMEs can achieve with the right backing.

“With greater investment and government support, businesses like MDH can expand their reach, create jobs, and boost exports. If we scale this across thousands of SMEs, we can lift millions out of poverty and reposition Nigeria as a hub of creativity and trade,” he said.

Obi, who only just resumed engagements after a short medical break, said the dedication he saw at MDH strengthens his conviction that Nigeria’s economic revival lies in empowering SMEs.

“A new Nigeria is possible—one built on production, innovation, and the resilience of our people,” he added.