Nigerian actor and comedian Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take advantage of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China by positioning Nigeria as a viable destination for relocating foreign factories.
Okon Lagos made the appeal in a post on his official Instagram page, urging the Tinubu administration to attract luxury brands and manufacturers that may be seeking alternatives to Chinese factories due to the intensifying economic rift between the two global superpowers.
“President Tinubu, please take advantage of this US-China trade war. Redirect the factories of ‘victimized’ luxury brands to Nigeria. Aba, Kano, Uyo, PH will be ready. We have the cheapest labor in the world and we are a staggering 200plus million hardworking good people! Tinubu oooo. Take advantage!!!” the actor wrote.
His comments come amid growing uncertainty in global trade, particularly following trade restrictions, tariffs, and sanctions imposed during the US-China trade dispute, which began under former US President Donald Trump and has continued in various forms under subsequent administrations. The economic rift has seen several multinational companies begin exploring diversification of their supply chains to other regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Okon Lagos believes Nigeria has the potential to be a major beneficiary of this shift if the right steps are taken. He pointed out strategic cities like Aba in Abia State, Kano, Uyo, and Port Harcourt as having the industrial potential and manpower to support large-scale manufacturing.
Economic experts have long argued that Nigeria’s vast population, relatively low labour costs, and access to regional markets through trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area could make the country an attractive destination for manufacturing and export-focused industries. However, issues such as erratic power supply, insecurity, and inconsistent government policies continue to hinder progress in this regard.
Okon’s statement echoes growing calls for Nigeria to adopt a more strategic approach to global economic opportunities and create a business environment that fosters foreign investment and industrial growth.
