Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has once again called on Nigerian elites and political leaders to deliberately support and promote indigenous businesses as a vital step toward national development.
Obi made this appeal shortly after arriving in the United Kingdom over the weekend aboard Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading indigenous airline. The former Anambra State governor shared his experience via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, commending the airline for its professionalism and consistent service on the Lagos–London route.
> “I just arrived in the UK this morning, on Air Peace from Lagos to London. I have now taken almost a dozen flights to or from London on this airline. I want to sincerely thank the management and staff of Air Peace for their professionalism, consistency, and competence on this route,” Obi wrote.
He used the opportunity to advocate for increased patronage and protection of local businesses, particularly those in capital-intensive sectors such as transportation, noting that running a business in Nigeria remains extremely challenging due to high operational costs and stiff competition.
“Once again, I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerian elites and political leaders to give strong and deliberate support to indigenous businesses. It is never easy to run any business in our difficult environment, let alone highly capital-intensive sectors like air and land transportation,” he said.
Obi emphasized that local enterprises require more encouragement and less bureaucratic and regulatory harassment, especially those contributing significantly to job creation.
“Supporting local businesses, particularly those that create massive employment, is critical for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable national development,” he stated.
He concluded his message with his signature optimism: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The press release was signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), and dated June 15, 2025.
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