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Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lamented the state of Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure, claiming that several key sectors that once flourished have now collapsed.
Obi made the statement while speaking during a town hall meeting in Rivers State, where he compared Nigeria’s former strength in the shipping and aviation industries with the current state of the sectors.
He recalled that Nigeria’s National Shipping Line had a growing fleet in the years after independence, while Emirates Airlines, which began operations decades later, has grown into one of the world’s major airlines.
Obi also expressed concern over the country’s healthcare system, particularly the challenges faced by Nigerians suffering from serious illnesses. He noted that the poor state of healthcare facilities has made some Nigerians seek alternative solutions, including taking sick relatives to churches for prayers.
He said:
“Everything has collapsed in Nigeria. As of 1959, Nigeria’s National Shipping Line owned 6 vessels; by 1961, they owned 8 vessels, and it kept increasing. But today, they have no vessel.
I read today in the newspaper that when Emirates Airlines started in 1985, they started with two leased planes. At that time, Nigeria had over 20 planes. But today, Emirates Airlines has over 280 planes, while Nigeria’s own is now zero.
If today you’re critically ill in Nigeria and you go to the hospital, you might likely end up at the mortuary. That’s why many Nigerians like taking ill people to church.”
His comments have generated discussion among Nigerians, with many debating the decline of the country’s aviation, shipping and healthcare sectors.
Obi’s remarks come amid continued concerns over the state of critical infrastructure and public services across the country.
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