66 years on: Nigerians speak on hardship, insecurity and hope

By Abubakar Yunusa

Sixty-six years after Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule, the nation stands at another defining moment.

Across the country, the rising cost of living, insecurity and economic hardship have become part of the everyday reality for millions of Nigerians.

For many, the promises of better days ahead have grown harder to believe, as successive assurances from political leaders are often met with questions about implementation and tangible results.

But beneath the frustration is a resilient spirit — a people who may be disappointed, but have not completely given up on their country.

In this Independence Day vox pop, Nigerians speak candidly about how the current realities affect their lives, what they expect from the Federal Government and what must be done to restore confidence in the nation’s future.

Their voices are unfiltered. Their experiences are personal. Their message is clear: Nigeria may be struggling, but hope is not yet lost.

Onono Onimisi Rafatu, a student of Bayero University Kano

My  biggest concern was the difficulty many Nigerians face in living decent lives. She identified insecurity, unemployment, poor access to quality education and the rising cost of living as major challenges, particularly for young people.

She urged the government to put citizens at the centre of governance by implementing policies that improve education, create jobs and opportunities, and make basic necessities more affordable.

Despite the challenges, Rafatu said she remained optimistic about Nigeria’s future because of the resilience, talent and determination of its young people.

She said responsible leadership and the right opportunities could harness this energy to transform the country, stressing that although Nigeria, at 66, still had much work to do, its story was still being written.

Bunuyaminu Musa , who is a serving Corps Member

My biggest concern about Nigeria today is the high cost of living.

“Fighting of insurgency in the country.

“Very optimistic, we will get it right one day with good leadership, good policies and corruption Free. We will get there one day. Nigeria will be great again.”

Muhammed Jemila Occupation:Fashion Designer

My biggest concern is the rising cost of living, unemployment, and the challenges many Nigerians face in meeting their basic needs.

What one thing would you like the government to change immediately?

“I would like the government to focus more on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, and improving security and basic infrastructure.

“Yes, I am optimistic. Nigeria has talented, hardworking, and resilient people, and I believe that with good leadership and effective policies, the country can achieve greater progress.  “

Ibrahim Muhammad Occupation: Teacher

“My biggest concern about Nigeria today is insecurity, which has greatly affected the peace and tranquillity we have enjoyed as a people and as a country.

“The persistent insecurity has affected the lives, livelihoods, and sense of safety of many Nigerians.

“If there is one thing I would like the government to change immediately, it is the mindset of our leaders.

“ Although I understand that our system of government makes this difficult, I believe our leaders should be more committed to the development of the country and adopt a more Pan-Nigerian mindset—putting Nigeria and the welfare of its people first, rather than prioritising personal interests.”

Aisha Muhammad Food Scientist/Baker

My biggest concern is the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and the difficulty many Nigerians face in meeting their basic needs.

Many Nigerians are hardworking but still struggling to afford food, fuel, and basic needs, while insecurity is affecting lives, farming and businesses.

From banditry, kidnapping, to farmer-herder clashes and cybercrime – people no longer feel safe going to farm, travelling on the road, or even sleeping peacefully at night. It has affected food production, investment, and our unity.

I would like the government to focus more urgently on improving the economy—creating jobs, reducing the cost of living, and ensuring that public resources are used transparently for the benefit of citizens, and fix power.

If there is stable electricity and fuel/food prices come down, businesses will grow, jobs will come, and suffering will reduce.

“Government should overhaul the security architecture, more funding and modern equipment for our security forces, better intelligence gathering, community policing, and most importantly, bring real justice. No sacred cows. When criminals are punished swiftly, others will fear.