Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary on October 1, 2026, with citizens reflecting on the country's progress since gaining independence. Many expressed mixed reactions, with some noting significant efforts by early leaders to develop the country. Mr. James Adamu, a retired civil servant, recalled the era of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Tafawa Balewa, characterized by fairness in leadership and relative peace.
However, Adamu lamented that over the years, tribalism, favouritism, and other negative practices emerged, leading to challenges affecting security, agriculture, and social amenities. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Suleiman Buhari, expressed concern over the current state of leadership, stating that it appears no one cares for the welfare of others. He attributed the prevalence of insecurity, hardship, and challenges to the lack of effective leadership.
Buhari further noted that attacks and killings have become commonplace, while shedding of blood has become the order of the day. He expressed worry that highly placed individuals have resorted to kidnapping as a means of making quick money. In contrast, Adamu Maiyaki, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, suggested that citizens need to reflect on the way forward for the country.
Maiyaki emphasized the need for sincerity in piloting the country's affairs, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. Many Nigerians also expressed frustration over the high cost of living, rising transportation fares, and expensive food items. Some citizens noted that 66 years of independence have not produced sufficient improvements in sectors that would positively impact their welfare.
Timothy Saleh, a lecturer at Kaduna State University, stated that recent economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, have not brought meaningful relief to many Nigerians. He noted that promises by the government to translate increased revenues into improved welfare have not been fully reflected in the lives of many households. Saleh expressed concern that some government officials are becoming wealthier while ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle.
Saleh highlighted the ongoing security challenges, including localized abductions and safety risks outside major urban centers, as a primary source of anxiety for families and business owners. He called for stronger and more effective intervention to address the security situation and restore confidence among Nigerians. The situation in Nigeria has led to concerns about the country's progress since independence.
The mixed reactions from citizens underscore the need for collective resilience and improved leadership to address the country's challenges. As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, citizens continue to seek meaningful solutions to the country's economic hardship, insecurity, and leadership challenges. The country's progress and future prospects remain a subject of discussion and concern among its citizens.
Key points
- Many Nigerians express frustration over the country's economic hardship and insecurity 66 years after independence.
- Citizens call for collective resilience and improved leadership to address the country's challenges.
- The country's progress since independence remains a subject of mixed reactions among its citizens.
