Jonathan Decries Vested Interest Resistance in NNSL Collapse Probe
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has publicly lamented the lack of a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to the collapse of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) and its fleet of 27 vessels. He emphasized that the failure of these national carriers remains one of Nigeria's unresolved economic mysteries, highlighting that during his tenure, efforts to probe the circumstances were obstructed by resistance from vested interests.
Stalled Investigations and Economic Questions
Jonathan made these remarks on Monday at the International Deep Seaport Investment Forum held in Lagos. He recalled discussions with stakeholders, including elder statesman Bode George, on the issue, stating, "There has never been a proper investigation into why these national enterprises went down." He stressed that preliminary accounts suggest Nigeria may have taken costly strategic missteps during a critical transition period in global shipping.
According to Jonathan, while the world was shifting from conventional cargo handling to containerized shipping and deeper-draft vessels, Nigeria invested heavily in 27 outdated vessels that were being phased out internationally. This mismatch between investment decisions and global industry trends may have significantly weakened the viability of the national carrier, ultimately contributing to its collapse.
Historical Context and Lessons Learned
Recall that in 1959, NNSL started with three vessels and grew to nine by 1966. By 1980, it had 27 ships, which later reduced to 14 by 1989. The shipping line was liquidated in 1995, with NNSL and its 21 vessels sold off. Jonathan cautioned that, although the account is not fully verified, it points to deeper structural and policy failures that must be examined to avoid repeating similar mistakes.
He warned that the lessons from the collapse of the national shipping line remain highly relevant as Nigeria seeks to reposition its maritime sector, particularly in the face of evolving global shipping standards. Jonathan advocated for renewed efforts to critically assess past decisions and ensure that future investments in maritime infrastructure and operations are aligned with global realities.
He noted that without such reflection, Nigeria risks once again falling behind in international shipping, with potential consequences for trade competitiveness and economic growth, especially as cargo is being transshipped from neighbouring countries.
