The Abused Pearl of Africa

Earlier today when I was doing a comparison on how other sectors contribute to the economy in relation to the past and present, I stumbled on this article “Rediscovering the abused pearls of Africa” where Chinemelu Nwokike took us back in time on the exploits of a great city which was regarded as the Japan of Africa. It was a pretty long read but every historical insight in the piece reminded me how easily we can get stuck in the present because we forgot the moves we made in the past.

An average Nigerian should know that long before “Made-in-Nigeria” goods became a thing in Nigeria, that the city of Aba had already built a reputation for innovation, productivity, and industrial hustle. Aba became one of the vibrant manufacturing hubs and a commercial powerhouse in west Africa in the 1980s and 1990s which earned her the name "Japan of Africa”. Their growth was remarkable especially with the fact that they pulled through even after being affected by the Nigeria civil war between 1967 to 1970. Then, the industries in Aba were organized in clusters, just like the manufacturing districts in Japan, and this made it easy for knowledge and skills to flow from one workshop to another.

Just like Chinemelu mentioned, we cannot talk about the Industrial Revolution in that city without the legendary Ariaria International Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa. But aside from being a trading center, it was also a massive production hub. It was known that thousands of small manufacturers operated within and around the market, designing and producing goods that were sold not only across Nigeria but also exported informally to neighboring countries like Ghana.

What made Aba remarkable and their products unique was the self-taught engineering culture they adopted. Legend has it that they were usually importing foreign products, studying it, having it dismantled and then recreate it at a lower cost. Over time, local craftsmen began to develop their own designs and brands, although it was mostly a “copy-and-improve” system similar to the industrial growth witnessed in Japan too. Specifically, their manufacturing sector produced:

• Leather shoes and sandals

• School bags and travel luggage

• Fashion clothing and uniforms

• Metal tools and machine parts

• Household goods and accessories

Traders from across other popular markets in Nigeria and West Africa traveled to Aba to buy these products in bulk. But that was before Aba’s manufacturing strength began facing challenges like poor infrastructure, inconsistent electricity supply, and competition from cheap imports from China and limited government support slowed the momentum.

But the new policies and the construction of roads in the state has encouraged the use of locally made products greatly and is gradually bringing the city of Aba back to its glory. And like most Nigerians, I proudly use “Made-in-Nigeria” products and we have Aba city to thank for.