Independence: Nigerians assess the country at 66

As Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary on October 1, citizens across different walks of life, regions, and professions share their perspectives on the state of the nation, the impact of recent economic policies, and their hopes for the future. Our correspondent, Mashe Umaru Gwamna reports. Excerpts:

Philip Jakpor, Lagos. Environmental Activist:

“Nigeria is in a very bad shape. Sixty-six years after independence, the hopes of our founding fathers for a prosperous and united country stand on a thread because we seem to have retrogressed almost irreparably.

Aside from the insecurity that has crippled and cut off large parts of our country, the government lives in the disillusionment that macro-economic statistics translate to quality of life for Nigerians, especially at the grassroots.

All you need to do to feel the pulse of the average Nigerian is to go to the markets and business places. Most Nigerians are disillusioned and near hopelessness about the direction the country is going.

The current administration, through policies that were not well thought out—especially the unplanned removal of the fuel subsidy without a clear roadmap for ameliorative initiatives—has dashed the hopes of citizens and inflicted widespread poverty.”.

Sunday Labari Otsa, Lape Estate, Karu, Abuja. Public Servant:

“There is an old saying: ‘A fool at forty is a fool forever.’ If that holds true, then what becomes of a nation at 66?

I do not wish to be pessimistic about our dear country. However, we cannot continue doing the same things year after year and expect a different result. Truthfully, the vision of our founding heroes has been abandoned. Those at the helm of affairs seem consumed by selfishness and greed, amassing vast wealth that ultimately fades into nothingness.

Nigeria is uniquely blessed with both rich natural resources and an exceptional populace, yet we lack the visionary leadership needed to harness these strengths for the collective good. The severe challenges confronting us today—from insecurity to systemic corruption—were largely avoidable. They persist simply because those in power lack the political will to end them.

In spite of all this, I still envision a new Nigeria: a country that works, and a home where those who left in search of greener pastures will gladly return because our own land has flourished. May God grant us leaders who will spearhead this long-awaited transformation.

“Ossy Doemulak Wulmoen Ruga Maidiki, Nasarawa State. Artisan:

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration since May 2023 has recorded mixed outcomes:

Removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of forex rates to reform public finance.

Increased federal allocations to state governments.

Launch of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme.

Major infrastructure push, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry road project.

Approval and implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage.

Comprehensive tax reform bills and renewed efforts to attract foreign direct investment.

Sharp rise in inflation, food prices, and overall cost of living following policy reforms.

Continued depreciation of the Naira.

Pastor David Ibrahim Musa, Lafia, Nasarawa State. Clergyman:

As Nigeria marks another year, we have many reasons to thank God. To keep a nation of over 200 million people—with diverse tribes, tongues, and faiths—together for 66 years is by the mercy of God alone.

To be honest, Nigeria today is a nation in pain, but not a nation without hope. We are richly blessed with human and natural resources, fertile land, and brilliant young people. Yet many of our people are going through high costs of living, insecurity, unemployment, and a deep loss of trust in leadership and in one another. Our greatest problem is not a lack of resources, but a lack of righteousness, justice, and accountability. As Proverbs 29:2 says: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.’

Today, many Nigerians are mourning—not because they are lazy, but because the system is tough. Yet in the midst of this, I still see the incredible resilience of the Nigerian spirit: the market woman who smiles, the young graduate who still believes, the farmer who still goes to the farm. That resilience is God at work.

My hope is in God and the Nigerian people. I pray for a nation where justice flows freely, where we truly fear God in public office, where we invest in our youth, and where we love one another beyond tribe and religion. Nigeria will not fail; by God’s grace, this nation will rise again.”