“Chinese People Were Brought Into Nigeria To Destroy Igbo Businesses” — Joseph Okechukwu

 

Image: IG 

Veteran Nollywood actor Joseph Okechukwu has questioned the increasing presence of Chinese nationals and businesses in Nigeria, arguing that their growing involvement in the country’s commercial space could have consequences for indigenous businesses, particularly those owned by people from the South-East.

Okechukwu’s comments focused on what he sees as a growing economic contest involving Chinese businesses and established Igbo traders and entrepreneurs. He suggested that the situation should not be viewed simply as ordinary competition, but as part of a wider development that could affect the ability of local businesses to survive and expand.

He also made a claim about the Federal Government’s role in the arrival of Chinese nationals, alleging that the government deliberately encouraged their movement into Nigeria in large numbers.

“The Federal Government brought in Chinese people into Nigeria in masses so that they can destroy Igbo businesses.”

The actor further turned his attention to land and business opportunities being made available to Chinese investors in other parts of the country. He specifically mentioned the South-West and alleged that some Yoruba landowners were willing to offer land to Chinese interests.

“Yorubas are even giving their lands free to the Chinese just to destroy Igbo businesses. They don’t know us Igbos.”

Okechukwu’s argument, however, was not that the South-East would simply sit back and watch as foreign businesses expanded. Instead, he pointed to industrialisation and local manufacturing as the direction he believes the region is heading.

“Manufacturing companies will soon start springing up everywhere in the South East,” he said.

His statement comes against the backdrop of long-running conversations about the role of foreign investors in Nigeria’s economy and the challenges faced by locally owned businesses. Chinese companies and traders have become increasingly visible in several areas of Nigeria’s commercial and industrial sectors, while Nigerian entrepreneurs continue to deal with issues ranging from access to finance and infrastructure to competition and the cost of doing business.

For Okechukwu, the answer lies in the South-East building its own economic strength. Rather than allowing foreign companies to define the region’s commercial future, he believes more manufacturing businesses can emerge from within the region.

The actor’s remarks also reflect a broader argument often made by supporters of local enterprise: that regions with strong trading traditions can move further into manufacturing and large-scale production if the right conditions are created.

Whether or not the claims about the intentions behind Chinese investment can be established, Okechukwu’s central message is clear. He expects the South-East to respond through business expansion and industrial development.

His prediction is that more factories and manufacturing companies will eventually appear across the region, creating a stronger production base and giving local entrepreneurs a larger role in the economy.

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