Nigeria Airways: Which way Nigeria, from 32 planes in 1979 to zero plane in 2022? 

….19 brand new ships in 1979 to zero ship in 2022.

By allcitynews.ng

It may no longer be news to most Nigerians and captains of industry that former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (1976-1979 and 1999-2007) came out with suggestion over liquidation of Nigeria Airways,

The fresh and hot news as at today, Wednesday 16 February 2022, is
that 10 years, (February 15, 2012) after that, Nigeria Airways or National Carrier is yet to rise again.

Pitifully, Nigerian travellers have continued to rely on foreign national airlines with few Nigerian-privately-owned planes by investors.

Just as Nigerian government seems to believe that importation is best policy thereby moving the country around in circle rather than straightforward. FG has continued to depends on importation in all areas to the extent of toothpicks, so travelling by air is solely at the mercy of foreigners.

Though there are few local investors participating in aviation business, yet, the National Carrier which Nigerians can see as their own is still missing.

It would be recalled that Obasanjo one day argued during presentation of a book entitled ‘Nigerian Civil Aviation: Decade of Safety and Passengers Comfort Development’ at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Training Centre, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, that best way out was liquidation of defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL), because: ” It has failed, is not worthy of resuscitation.”

10 years after, Nigerians are still yearning for a national carrier, a plane they can boastly point to as their own.

It would be recalled that Obasanjo reminded Nigerians that “When I was leaving office in 1979 as the military Head of State, I left behind 32 aircraft but 20 years later in 1999 when I assumed office as the elected president, there was one aircraft flying.”

He also pointed out that Nigeria had 19 brand new ships under the umbrella, National Shipping Line (NNSL).
“Nigeria had 19 brand new ships in 1979 but was left with one in 1999,” how many of such ships remain as at today?

It would also be recalled that the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) which was established by the Nigerian government in 1959, despite heavy investment and subsidies, the state-owned company was unable to compete with European lines.

“Much of the investment went to enriching the political elite therefore, due to its deeply indebted, the NNSL was liquidated in 1995 and all 21 of its vessels were sold.”

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