Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian elites and political leaders to show greater support for indigenous businesses, particularly in critical sectors such as transportation. His appeal comes in the wake of a public disagreement between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Nigerian airline, Air Peace.
The disagreement stems from an incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, where Air Peace accused Senator Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, of disrupting airport operations and physically assaulting staff after reportedly missing his flight due to late check-in.
The airline alleged that the senator arrived after the counter had closed and became confrontational.
In a counterclaim, Oshiomhole accused the airline of unprofessional conduct and alleged that Air Peace was exploiting its customers. He further claimed that airline staff allowed some passengers who arrived after him to board, a move that reportedly incited outrage among other stranded passengers.
Reacting to the development, Obi issued a statement on Saturday after boarding an Air Peace flight to London, marking his 12th trip on the airline’s Lagos–London route.
He praised the airline’s consistent service and professionalism and used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of supporting indigenous enterprises.
Obi emphasized the difficulties of operating businesses in Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, especially in capital-intensive sectors like aviation.
He warned against what he described as harassment or undue intimidation of local companies, stressing the need for deliberate backing from the nation’s elite.
He noted that domestic businesses not only create jobs but are also crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term development goals. Obi concluded by urging greater patronage and encouragement for such enterprises, stating that their success is tied to the country’s prosperity.
