As Nigeria marks its 65th year of independence, citizens and leaders are grappling with a complex question: is this an anniversary to celebrate, or a moment for sober reckoning?
Today, Nigeria celebrates 65 years of freedom from British colonial rule. The day is marked by a national holiday and is traditionally a time for parades, cultural shows, and presidential addresses . However, the festivities are set against a backdrop of deep-seated challenges, prompting a national conversation on the very essence of the nation’s progress.
In his 65th Independence Day address, President Bola Tinubu struck a resolutely optimistic tone, declaring that the “worst is over” for Africa’s most populous nation . He defended his administration’s contentious economic reforms, including the scrapping of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, as painful but necessary steps to “reset” the economy .
The president presented a suite of economic indicators to bolster his claim that the seeds of these reforms are now “bearing fruit” :
· Economic Growth: The second-quarter GDP grew by 4.23%, the fastest pace in four years .
· Falling Inflation: Inflation has declined to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years, though it remains high .
· Trade Surplus: The country has recorded five consecutive quarters of trade surpluses, selling more to the world than it buys .
· Rising Reserves: External reserves have climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest level since 2019 .
This narrative of progress was echoed by government supporters. The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, spoke of “the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and hope,” urging citizens to “look forward with optimism” .
Despite the official optimism, a chorus of critics and stark data points to a far more challenging reality for millions of Nigerians. A poignant editorial framed the nation’s condition as one of “independence without nationhood,” arguing that the dream of a unified, prosperous nation remains elusive 65 years on .
The challenges are profound:
Deepening Poverty: A World Bank report noted that over 54% of Nigerians live in poverty, with the rate soaring to 75.5% in rural areas . Other estimates suggest over 129 million Nigerians—more than half the population—live below the poverty line .
· Staggering Infrastructure Deficit: The country requires an estimated $3 trillion over the next 30 years to close its infrastructure gap . Notably, Nigeria has the largest electricity access deficit in the world, with 43% of its population (85 million people) lacking access to grid electricity .
· Ongoing Security Challenges: The nation continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, ranking sixth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index . While the government claims security is improving , these threats remain a daily reality for many.
· A “Brain Drain”: Reflecting a loss of confidence in the system, data shows a significant increase in migration, with over 3.6 million Nigerians emigrating between 2022 and 2023 alone .
This divergence between official statements and public perception was symbolized by the federal government’s decision to cancel the official Independence Day parade, a move some interpreted as an acknowledgment that all is not well.
The cancellation of celebrations, as interpreted by cleric Prophet Sam Ojo, is a sign that “Nigeria needs healing” . This sentiment resonates with those who believe the path forward requires more than economic metrics.
Many analysts argue that Nigeria’s fundamental ailment is structural. The country has been attempting to govern its vast diversity of over 250 ethnic groups through a “largely unitary system” that stifles development and fuels resentment among regions feeling exploited or marginalized . The solution, they propose, is an urgent return to true federalism—devolution of power to the constituent units to foster competition, accountability, and a sense of belonging .
As Nigeria steps into its 66th year, the dual narrative of progress and pain defines its independence anniversary. The government points to macro-economic green shoots, while citizens grapple with the daily challenges of survival. The nation stands at a crossroads, and the most pressing task may be to bridge the gap between statistical recovery and the lived experience of its people, forging not just an independent state, but a true nation where every citizen can find “purpose and fulfilment” .
Alao Adamadamosi Sunday, arpa