By Abubakar Yunusa
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, a civil society organisation, PROVOQIT Transparency & Accountability Project, has called for urgent diversification of the economy beyond oil, warning that the sector alone cannot sustain a population of over 200 million.
The Executive Director of the group, Prince Tochukwu Okorie, stated this in a message to commemorate the anniversary, describing the milestone as “more than a celebration of endurance.”
He said it should instead serve as a wake-up call for bold reforms to fulfil the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
“Oil cannot sustain 200 million people. Investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy are critical to creating jobs and broadening our revenue base,” Okorie said.
He emphasised that peace and justice are essential for national progress, urging reforms in the security sector, deeper community engagement, and swift justice to end impunity.
Okorie lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast natural resources, cultural diversity, and human talent, much of its promise remains unrealised 65 years after independence. Pervasive corruption, insecurity, and weak public institutions, he noted, continue to erode public trust and opportunities.
Still, he praised the resilience and creativity of Nigerians, whose contributions in music, literature, technology, and entrepreneurship have gained global recognition. He also highlighted the country’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999 as a rare feat in Africa.
“At 65, reflection alone is not enough. Nigeria must move from rhetoric to results. Public office must be a trust, not a privilege. We must strengthen independent institutions, enforce transparency in public spending, and wage an impartial fight against corruption,” he added.
The group further called for inclusive governance, with gender, youth, and marginalised communities placed at the centre of policymaking. It also advocated genuine federalism and equitable resource allocation to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength.
Okorie stressed that the real test of independence is not survival but transformation.
“Nigeria has shown it can remain one. Now we must prove we can thrive together,” he said.
Reaffirming its mission, PROVOQIT pledged to continue provoking national conversations, empowering citizens, and pushing for reforms that make governance more transparent and accountable.
“Together, we can turn 65 years of lessons into a future of hope and tangible progress,” Okorie said.
