By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
As Nigeria clocks 65 years of nationhood on October 1, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration that Nigerians deserved better living conditions.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by
Media and Communication Officer CAPPA, Robert Egbe to commemorate the day, said
that gains of self-rule are felt through programmes and policies that lift citizens out of poverty, hunger, and insecurity.
The organisation said the celebration of Independence Day should go beyond parades and speeches, stressing that it must serve as a moment of sober reflection on how far the country has come, the challenges that persist, and the actions required to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys the true promise of freedom.
It argued that independence should not be defined by political sovereignty alone but by social and economic well-being for all citizens. While acknowledging that the Tinubu government has introduced reforms in the past year, which have been applauded locally and internationally, CAPPA maintained that such recovery programmes must be judged not only by their beauty on paper but also by their impact on households across the country.
The group observed that whatever gains have been recorded are being overshadowed by hardship, pointing to high costs of food supplies, soaring rents and electricity tariffs, and healthcare that remains out of reach for many families.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said Nigeria’s independence was built on the hope that freedom would guarantee dignity and empower citizens as masters of their own destiny. “Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,” he said.
Oluwafemi noted that although Nigerians have often been told the economy is on the path of transformation, the gap between official claims and daily reality remains wide. He argued that the poor cannot spend “economic recovery” in the market, stressing that the true test of policy is whether it improves life for people at the grassroots.
He added that the promise of independence would only be fulfilled when citizens can afford decent meals, live in safe housing within their means, access quality health care and public water services, and send their children to school without fear of exorbitant fees. He urged the government to focus on closing existing gaps through people-centred policies.
The organisation identified several priority areas for action, including food security. With food inflation still high, many households are struggling to eat three meals a day. CAPPA urged the government to invest in local food production by supporting farmers with inputs, storage, and access to markets. Nigeria has fertile land and abundant labour, it said, but farmers are held back by a lack of infrastructure and the spread of insecurity in food-producing regions. Strengthening agriculture, CAPPA argued, would cut import dependence, lower prices, and make affordable, healthy food more available to Nigerians.
The group, however, stressed that food security is not just about availability but also about quality and health. It pointed out that while hunger is rising, ultra-processed and sugary products are flooding the market, fuelling obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. CAPPA noted that without deliberate policies, Nigerians risk being trapped in a cycle where cheap but unhealthy foods dominate diets. It therefore renewed its call for stronger healthy food policies, including an increase in the current sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clear front-of-pack warning labelling for food products, and salt reduction targets, to ensure that citizens not only eat but eat well.
On the economy, CAPPA warned against piling up debts through excessive borrowing, saying that loans used to service recurrent spending rather than productive investments only deepen hardship. It advised the government to cut down on frivolous expenditures, close leakages, prioritise transparent spending, and channel resources into critical sectors as a way of boosting the economy and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
CAPPA further identified security as a major concern, noting that independence cannot be meaningful if citizens live in fear of violence, kidnapping, or displacement. The group encouraged the government to invest in community policing and modern security infrastructure, and address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
On education, CAPPA emphasised that the future of Nigeria rests on an educated population. “Rising school fees, underfunded public universities, and poor facilities continue to deny many children and young people the opportunity to learn,” it said.
The organisation encouraged the government to increase budgetary allocations to education, provide incentives for teachers, and ensure that schools at all levels are properly equipped.
CAPPA said that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development. It called for stronger accountability measures to ensure that public resources are not wasted or diverted into a few private pockets.
“Public office must be treated as a trust. Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,” the organisation reflected. It urged the Tinubu administration to use the anniversary as an opportunity to renew its commitment to improving welfare at the grassroots.
CAPPA also called on Nigerians to play their part by holding leaders accountable and participating actively in civic life. It said the spirit of independence was not only about what the government does, but also about how citizens work together to build a better society.
Improving maintenance culture in property management is essential – By ESV. Obiageli Chikezie
An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV. Obiageli Francisca Chikezie said improving maintenance culture in property management is essential for property longevity.
ESV. Chikezie stated this in Abuja yesterday.
He said a well executed maintenance culture is vital for preserving property value, reducing unexpected repairs and fostering positive tenant relationships.
He said the real estate industry’s continuous growth presents property managers with the dual challenge of maintaining properties while ensuring tenant satisfaction and minimizing costs.
The Estate Surveyor said here are
key strategies for property Managers*
Preventive Maintenance Schedules: Regular inspections and maintenance tasks help identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
This proactive approach ensures that potential problems are addressed before they become major issues.
Scheduled Maintenance Planning: Organized planning ensures timely execution of maintenance tasks, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
By prioritizing maintenance tasks, property managers can minimize disruptions to tenants and ensure that work is completed on schedule.
Open Communication with Tenants:Encourage prompt reporting of maintenance needs and respond quickly to build trust and satisfaction. Effective communication is key to resolving issues efficiently and maintaining a positive relationship with tenants.
Efficient Vendor Management: Build strong partnerships with reliable vendors to ensure timely and quality services. By working with trusted vendors, property managers can ensure that maintenance work is completed to a high standard and in a timely manner and
Staff Training and Development: Enhance maintenance staff’s skills and knowledge to improve service quality and efficiency. Investing in staff training ensures that maintenance personnel have the necessary expertise to complete tasks effectively.
He said the Estate Surveyors and Valuers has a role in Property Management
“Estate Surveyors and Valuers are highly trained professionals with expertise in property management, valuation, and investment analysis”. He emphasized that they possess the skills and knowledge required to optimize property performance, minimize risks, and maximize returns. Property owners are advised to patronize Estate Surveyors and Valuers for effective property management, as they can provide:
Expert advice on property valuation and investment analysis. Effective property management strategies to enhance property value and returns and Professional guidance on property maintenance and repairs
He said there are best practices for Property Owners:
Patronize Professionals: Engage the services of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to manage your property and maximize returns.
Allocate Maintenance Budget: Set aside a percentage of annual income for maintenance to ensure funds are available for regular inspections and repairs. A well-planned maintenance budget helps property owners avoid unexpected expenses and ensures that maintenance work is completed on schedule.
He said proactive maintenance culture has benefits such as:
Reduced maintenance costs, Increased property value, Improved tenant satisfaction,
Enhanced operational efficiency and Better safety and security.
“By adopting these strategies and engaging the services of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, property owners can create a proactive maintenance culture that benefits the landlord, property, and occupants.
“This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the overall quality of life for tenants, making it a win-win for all parties involved”he added.
He noted that by prioritizing maintenance and engaging the services of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, property owners can ensure the long-term success and profitability of their investments.
“Property owners are advised to patronize professionals to get the best returns for their property”.
