Peter Obi Recalls Nigeria’s Lost Glory, Laments Collapse of Shipping Line, Nigerian Airways

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has reflected on Nigeria’s economic history, lamenting the decline of institutions and enterprises that once demonstrated the country’s capacity to compete globally.

Obi spoke after attending the 100th anniversary celebration of the Daily Times Newspaper in Abuja, where an exhibition of historical publications took him down memory lane to his childhood days of reading newspapers at a newspaper stand in Onitsha.

According to him, his early encounters with newspapers, particularly stories on governance, the economy and national development, helped shape his interest in understanding Nigeria and the decisions that have influenced the country's development.

Obi said the historical exhibition was both fascinating and sobering, particularly after he came across old advertisements and reports detailing the growth of some of Nigeria’s major national enterprises.

He cited the Nigerian Shipping Line as one of the clearest examples of Nigeria’s lost industrial capacity.

“In 1959, it had six ships; by 1960, it had eight; and by 1961, it had grown to 10 ships. Today, more than six decades later, the Nigerian Shipping Line has no ships,” Obi recalled.

He also reflected on the history of Nigerian Airways, which commenced operations in 1958 and had, by 1980, grown into one of Africa’s leading airlines, operating more than 30 aircraft and connecting Nigeria to major international destinations including London, New York, Rome and Paris.

Obi noted that Nigerian Airways even operated a Boeing 747 at a time when such an aircraft represented the height of commercial aviation.

The former governor contrasted the airline's history with that of Emirates, which commenced operations in 1985 with only two leased aircraft but has since grown into one of the world's leading airlines.

He said the comparison was a reminder of what Nigeria was capable of building and what successive generations had failed to preserve.

“These are not merely stories from old newspapers. They are reminders of what Nigeria once built, what our people were capable of achieving, and, most importantly, what we failed to sustain,” he said.

Obi attributed the decline of many Nigerian institutions to years of poor leadership, mismanagement, corruption and weak accountability.

He expressed concern that while several institutions and enterprises established by previous generations had weakened or disappeared, corruption appeared to have remained persistent.

He consequently challenged Nigerians to examine why institutions that once worked had collapsed and why countries that started behind Nigeria had overtaken the country.

According to him, the answers to these questions should shape the decisions Nigerians make today.

Obi also commended the Chairman of the newspaper group, Fidelis Anosike, and his team for preserving the Daily Times legacy and keeping alive an important part of Nigeria’s history for present and future generations.

He stressed that nations must learn from their history if they are to avoid repeating past mistakes.

The Labour Party chieftain argued that Nigeria could still rebuild its institutions, restore confidence in government, develop a productive economy and create enterprises capable of competing globally.

He said the country needed leadership anchored on competence, accountability, prudence, integrity and service.

“We must stop celebrating what Nigeria used to be and start rebuilding what Nigeria can become,” Obi said, insisting that the journey to rebuild the country must begin immediately.

He concluded with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”