**Interview with Joseph Ushigiale**

**Interviewer:** Joseph, when Nigeria gained independence in 1960, what was the sentiment among the people?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** At that time, Nigerians looked to the future with immense hope and optimism. After the British colonialists granted us self-rule, we were determined to seize the newfound freedom and opportunities. The country was a collective of various ethnic nationalities, primarily the Hausa/Fulani in the North, the Igbo in the East, and the Yoruba in the West, who came together in 1914 to form what we now know as Nigeria.

**Interviewer:** How did Nigeria’s political structure evolve after independence?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** Nigeria adopted the parliamentary system left by the British, and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa was elected as Prime Minister. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became President of the Senate and later the ceremonial President when we became a Republic in 1963. Although we had a parliamentary system, the country was organized into autonomous regions with a weaker central government, as outlined in our constitution.

**Interviewer:** Can you describe the economic landscape of Nigeria during the early years of independence?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** Initially, Nigeria was primarily export-oriented, with each region focusing on its strengths. The North, with its vast land, specialized in groundnut production, resulting in the famous groundnut pyramids. Meanwhile, the East and West prioritized exports like timber, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber. Back then, no one depended on Abuja for handouts as we do today; it was a self-sufficient nation that produced enough food to feed its population.

**Interviewer:** You mentioned the industrial growth of Nigeria. What were some notable achievements in manufacturing?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** Nigeria had several automotive companies assembling cars domestically, such as Volkswagen in Lagos and Peugeot in Kaduna. We also had textile mills booming in Kaduna and Ibadan, along with various agricultural and manufacturing industries. Education was free, and students could pursue higher education with scholarships, making life for many Nigerians quite prosperous.

**Interviewer:** When do you think the decline began for Nigeria?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** Many trace the decline back to the 1965 political crisis in the West, which led to a series of coups and the eventual collapse of our first republic. Following this, Nigeria faced years of uncertainty and mismanagement, particularly after experiencing the oil boom post-Yom Kippur War in 1973. Instead of investing in sustainable growth, we relied heavily on oil revenue, leading to a lack of agricultural and industrial investment.

**Interviewer:** What role did the military government play in this decline?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** The military government, especially during the era of Ibrahim Babangida, implemented the Structural Adjustment Programme in the 1980s that devalued the naira and attempted to diversify the economy. Sadly, the transition back to civil rule was marred by corruption and mismanagement, leading to further economic downturns.

**Interviewer:** How is Nigeria faring today, and what are the main challenges?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** Currently, Nigeria is in a precarious situation with a rapidly devaluing naira, soaring food prices, and declining living standards. The recent removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira have compounded these issues. Many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities, and even a negotiated minimum wage barely covers living costs.

**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what measures do you believe could restore Nigeria’s glory?

**Joseph Ushigiale:** There is hope if the current administration prioritizes grassroots production and food security. Revamping the textile sector could absorb many unemployed youths, and the government should facilitate private sector investments in infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships. If we can revitalize our refineries and support local production, Nigeria can regain its footing as a strong economy.

**Interviewer:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Joseph. It’s crucial for the future of Nigeria that these challenges are addressed.

**Joseph Ushigiale:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. There is still hope, and if we work together, we can turn things around.