Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged political leaders, particularly governors and Presidents, to use their office to plan for long-term prosperity, not just present needs.
Jonathan spoke in Lagos on Monday September 14, 2026 at the 13th Memorial Lecture in honour of former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu.
According to him, Nigeria needs sustainable policies that will change its economic fortunes and not provide only temporary gains.
Jonathan advocated a shift from raw material exports to value addition, noting that Africa’s abundant natural resources had failed to translate to prosperity because processing and manufacturing take place outside the continent.
He said African countries must ensure their resources generate industries, create jobs, enhance technology and expand opportunities for youths.
Jonathan cited cocoa as an example. West Africa produces about 30 per cent of global cocoa beans, but high-value processing happens abroad. He noted that 1kg of cocoa beans sells for about $5, while its value rises to $12-$18 after processing into chocolate.
President Jonathan’s address underscored the structural need for African nations to shift away from raw material extraction and focus heavily on local industrialization, domestic value addition, and implementing regional trade initiatives like the AfCFTA
