NEWS
HISTORIC REGIONAL SHIFT IMMINENT AS ABA–PORT HARCOURT–UYO (ABIA, RIVERS & AKWA IBOM STATES) POISED TO BIRTH A NEW ECONOMIC HUB SET TO SURPASS LAGOS AS THE ‘ECONOMIC TRIANGLE’ EMERGES IN SOUTH-SOUTH/SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
A major economic realignment may soon reshape Nigeria’s commercial landscape as an expansive regional hub projected to be larger and more influential than Lagos is taking form across the Aba–Port Harcourt–Uyo axis. This fast-developing powerhouse, identified by leading entrepreneur and real estate strategist, My-ACE China, as the new Economic Triangle, is gaining attention for its unprecedented potential to dominate West Africa’s economic map.
My-ACE China, popularly known as the Mayor of Housing, has sounded a strategic call to the governments of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States to take coordinated steps that will fully unlock this emerging zone. He asserts that if properly harnessed, the corridor possesses all the critical elements to become a continental economic magnet, massive land banks, seaports, airports, industrial zones, rail potential, and one of the largest consumer markets in West Africa with access to the Gulf of Guinea.
China revealed this projection at the conclusion of his business tour of Akwa Ibom State, where he reiterated that the Aba–Port Harcourt–Uyo corridor is the only region capable of rivaling Lagos as Nigeria’s dominant economic centre. He described the area as a rare combination of greenfield opportunities and existing industrial strength that could offer investors an attractive alternative to Lagos.
According to the real estate strategist, Aba stands out as West Africa’s largest fabrication hub, capable of supplying manufactured products across the Gulf of Guinea. Port Harcourt provides unmatched maritime access for the export and distribution of these goods, while the Uyo axis boasts a deep seaport at Ibaka, one of Nigeria’s largest international airports, and vast forest reserves ripe for agro-industrial development.
China emphasized that with functional river ports in Rivers State, a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom, and international airports in both states, Aba can concentrate on consolidating its industrial edge driven by sustained power supply and a booming fabrication economy. He identified a connecting rail network linking Aba, Uyo, and Port Harcourt as the final piece required to establish a seamless economic circuit capable of moving goods at low cost across the triangle.
He projected that such integration would trigger massive job creation, attract manufacturers from across Africa, and position Nigeria strategically within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With Lagos already serving as a major trade hub, Nigeria would gain a second formidable node in the Port Harcourt–Uyo–Aba Triangle.
For this vision to materialize, China stressed the need for stable electricity, modern road networks, enhanced security, and investor-friendly policies within the zone. He highlighted how surrounding states: Enugu, Onitsha (Anambra), Imo, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River, could easily plug into the economic triangle, making it the most interconnected regional economy in southern Nigeria.
China urged the governors of Abia, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom to set aside political differences and collaborate intentionally by agreeing on strategic projects deliverable within short timelines. He suggested that the trio could establish a development commission to fast-track the emergence of the corridor, ensuring a harmonized approach to infrastructure, trade policies, communication systems, and security. With such alignment, he said, travellers would hardly notice when they crossed from one state to another within the triangle just like in globally successful economic regions.
He noted that northern traders have already begun exporting goods through the Onne Port, demonstrating the region’s rising attractiveness as an export hub. He also emphasized the cultural advantage enjoyed by the three states, peaceful populations driven more by economic aspiration than conflict making them ideal for sustaining robust commercial growth.
China reiterated that the emerging economic triangle aligns perfectly with the AfCFTA framework, which demands strong production bases, certification capacity, market access, and efficient transport routes by sea and air. He believes the triangle already meets these criteria.
Observers point out that Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States have collectively budgeted over ₦3 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year approaching Lagos State’s ₦4 trillion. Analysts argue that if these financial resources are channelled deliberately toward building an interconnected and seamless economic system, the long-anticipated Economic Triangle could become a reality sooner than expected.
With regional infrastructure upgrades already underway, My-ACE China has called on the governors of the three states to initiate formal conversations that will consolidate their efforts and accelerate the rise of what may soon become Nigeria’s largest and most dynamic economic powerhouse.