In a delightful blast from the past, Raleigh has brought back one of its iconic bicycles from the 1970s and 1980s, the Chopper MK2. This limited edition, released in 2023, immediately took the UK market by storm, selling out at a price of £995 (equivalent to around 1.2 million naira). But now, this classic beauty is commanding a staggering £1,200 (approximately 1.5 million naira) on eBay.
The story of the Chopper resurfacing after decades of being out of production has ignited nostalgia in many, particularly among the Nigerian kids who pedaled these iconic bikes during their youth. While the Chopper’s return has sparked memories of simpler days, it has also shed light on a more profound issue affecting the ability of today’s generation to enjoy such nostalgic delights.
Where does the problem lie? It’s a tale of two major factors: the devaluation of the naira and the gradual disappearance of local vehicle assembly plants.
In the 1970s, Raleigh Industries Nigeria LTD, located in Bompai, Kano, was a hub of manufacturing, producing a variety of Raleigh bicycles that became a common sight on Nigerian streets. However, today, not even a single spoke is produced in this once-thriving facility.
This is not an isolated case; the decline of local manufacturing in the country has been widespread. There was Nigerian Truck Manufacturers, commonly known as Gidan Fiat, which was producing trucks in Kano. Steyr Nigeria Ltd operated in Bauchi, assembling thousands of tractors, trucks, and buses. Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria was known for producing passenger vehicles in Kaduna. Volkswagen also had its assembly plant in Lagos. And Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO) in Enugu contributed to the auto industry.
However, over the years, these once-vibrant manufacturing plants gradually shut down, leaving only a few exceptions. ANAMMCO’s revival was thanks to Dangote’s patronage. The lack of focus from our leaders, economic instability, and the devaluation of our currency led to a situation where Nigeria became a dumping ground for all sorts of vehicles imported from Europe and America.
This economic downturn has had a profound impact on society. It’s disheartening to consider that an average civil servant who, back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, could afford to drive a brand-new LADA is now unable to buy a new Raleigh bicycle for their children today. The story of the Raleigh Chopper’s resurgence serves as a reminder of the lost glory of Nigerian manufacturing and the challenges the country faces as it looks to revive its once-thriving industries
Jaafar Jaafar is a Nigerian Journalist based in London
