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Apapa happens to be a district of sea ports in Nigeria. It has at least three major sea ports. The first one is the well known Apapa ports, second is the Tin Can Island ports and the third is the Lillypond Terminal in Ijora.
It also used to be a bubbling industrial area. It has the gigantic Flour Mills Plc, it used to have the Nigerian National Shipping Lines and other shipping companies.
So many Clearing Agencies dot the Apapa space. So do so many hotels, eating places, textile companies, plastic making companies and what have you!
Most of these companies are now in a state of comatose. The preparation for the funeral of the companies began in the eighties with the introduction of a Structural Adjustment Programme by President Babangida.
It preceded the taking of a world bank loan by the regime. I understand currency devaluation is one of the strongest demands for the loan. In contrast, when a currency is devalued, the obvious targets are people in the middle and lower class strata.
A country where the purchasing powers of the middle class have gone to the dogs is on the way to ruination. In fact, such a country might never get out of the trap.
If the country is also corruption ridden, then the country should consult a fortune seeker!
That is the case of Nigeria.
Yesterday afternoon, I was forced to remember my Apapa days when I disembarked from a train at the closing hours and everywhere was bubbling with activities.
Before we say so long to a nation, I believe Nigeria can still walk in the path of prosperity if we can do away with our oppressors.
I believe that option is left to the people!
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