Peter Obi Promises Support for Small Businesses, Jobs and Social Security at Port Harcourt Town Hall

 Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has pledged to prioritise social security, employment and support for small businesses, arguing that Nigeria must adopt policies capable of creating jobs and reducing poverty.

Obi made the remarks during an interactive town hall in Port Harcourt after participants raised concerns about welfare, unemployment, insecurity and the political future ahead of the 2027 elections.

One of the participants, who identified herself as Daiva Briggs, said she graduated from the University of Port Harcourt in 2011 and had remained unemployed despite her academic qualifications and record of service.

She appealed for a system that would allow Nigerians without political connections or influential godfathers to access employment opportunities.

“What can you do concerning employment to ensure that those without connections and godfathers can gain employment?” she asked.

Responding, Obi said unemployment and weak social security systems were consequences of poor leadership and inadequate economic planning.

Obi defended his frequent comparisons between Nigeria and other developing countries, arguing that nations could learn from successful policies implemented elsewhere.

He cited Indonesia as a country with similarities to Nigeria in terms of population and diversity.

According to Obi, he visited Indonesia to study its approach to healthcare, education, planning and support for small businesses.

He said Indonesia's experience demonstrated the importance of investing in healthcare and empowering small businesses to create employment.

“China changed because its leaders went out to see what other countries were doing and invested in education,” Obi said.

He argued that Nigeria must be willing to learn from countries that have successfully addressed development challenges.

Obi said improved healthcare coverage should form part of a broader social security system.

He pointed to Indonesia's health insurance system as an example of how governments could expand access to medical care.

According to him, Nigerians should have greater access to functional primary healthcare services and affordable medical treatment.

He said strengthening healthcare would remain one of the major priorities of his proposed administration.

The former Anambra State governor identified small and medium-sized enterprises as a major source of employment and economic growth.

He argued that government policies should focus on helping entrepreneurs access training, skills and affordable financing.

Obi criticised high lending rates, questioning how businesses could survive when borrowing money at interest rates of between 35 and 40 per cent.

“Who will borrow money at 35 or 40 per cent and pay back?” he asked.

According to him, small businesses require access to financing at competitive rates if they are expected to grow and create jobs.

Obi promised that his administration would create systems to support entrepreneurs through training, skills development and improved access to finance.

“The biggest engine of any economy in the world is small businesses,” he said.

He said government support for small enterprises could help businesses expand and create employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

Obi noted that Nigeria already has millions of small businesses and argued that better policies could significantly increase their contribution to employment and national development.

Other participants at the town hall raised questions about insecurity and Nigeria's international image, while another participant sought clarification over reports and speculation concerning possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Questions were also raised about electoral preparedness and the need for political parties to deploy adequate agents during future elections.

The interactive session continued to focus on direct engagement between political leaders and citizens, with participants encouraged to raise issues affecting their communities and livelihoods.

The Port Harcourt town hall comes as political discussions surrounding employment, economic hardship, insecurity and the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across Nigeria.