Nigeria at 66: Mixed reactions trail independence anniversary amid hardship, insecurity

• ​‘It means nothing amid hunger, insecurity’ — Aigbe

• ​‘Nigeria will overcome challenges’ — Toro

• ​‘Independence becomes empty symbol amid poverty’ — Zikirullahi

• ‘Oct 1 a day of gloom’ — Okeke *​Independence means hopelessness’ — Onoja

By Abubakar Yunusa

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary today, October 1, 2026, the celebrations are unfolding against a difficult backdrop of rising living costs, widespread unemployment, persistent insecurity, and economic hardship.

Sixty-six years after the Union Jack was lowered and the green-and-white flag was raised in 1960, millions of citizens continue to question whether political sovereignty has translated into security, human dignity, and an improved quality of life. As the nation awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast, public commentators, civil society leaders, scholars, and media professionals have offered contrasting views on the state of the nation.

‘Independence Means Nothing Amid Hunger, Insecurity’ — Aigbe

Speaking with Peoples Daily, pro-democracy and human rights advocate, Austin Aigbe stated that independence holds little significance for citizens living under perpetual fear and economic distress.

“Independence means nothing for citizens who cannot travel from point A to B because of the fear of insecurity.

“Independence means nothing for those who are unable to go to their farms safely. Independence means nothing to those struggling to afford food. They’re jobless,” Aigbe said.

While acknowledging past national achievements, Aigbe argued that many gains have been eroded over time.

He stressed that democratic governance must extend beyond periodic elections to guarantee public welfare and security.

‘Nigeria will overcome its challenges’ — Toro

In contrast, veteran journalist and Editor-at-Large of Daily Trust, Mallam Adam Toro, expressed optimism about the country’s long-term trajectory.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s growth since the 1960s, Toro highlighted major advancements in capacity building, infrastructure, and global connectivity.

“For those of us born before the sixties, we saw the poverty, the lack of infrastructure, the limited opportunities for jobs and the fear of transformation.

“Yes, there is insecurity, but it’s a momentary phase that I believe will very soon disappear. I’m positive Nigeria will overcome its challenges the same way countries like China did,”  Toro noted.

‘An Empty Symbol Amid Deepening Poverty’ — Zikirullahi

he Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, argued that independence loses its essence when basic socio-economic expectations remain unmet.

“Independence is supposed to guarantee security, dignity and the opportunity to build a decent life.

“It loses its meaning when citizens watch their currency collapse, their savings evaporate and their livelihoods destroyed by policies that deepen poverty instead of reducing it,” Zikirullahi stated.

He noted that true national freedom must be reflected in safety, economic stability, and social justice.

‘An elitist event’ — Dr. Okeke

Dr. Christian Okeke, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, described Independence Day celebrations as increasingly disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens.

“Independence celebration in the country has become an elitist event where those who have benefited immensely from national wealth thank their stars for such opportunities,” Okeke said.

He noted that presidential broadcasts previously delivered direct socio-economic relief, such as price reductions or wage increases, but have now largely transitioned into political rhetoric.

‘A day of hopelessness without restructuring’ — Onoja

For Kogi State Polytechnic lecturer and journalist Onoja Johnson Baba, rampant insecurity and corruption have drained the national celebration of its meaning.

“Independence to most Nigerians means hopelessness because, as an Igala man from Kogi State, I can’t travel to my home without the fear of being kidnapped,” Onoja lamented.

Calling for systemic reform, he urged the political leadership to initiate a genuine restructuring of the nation’s governance framework.

“Let’s go back to the drawing board and restructure the country where truth, peace, and justice shall reign,” he concluded.