Nigeria @66: A new dawn beyond the laments

Hip! Hip! Hurray! Nigeria celebrated 66 years of independence. On October 1, 1960, the country gained freedom from British colonial rule. Since then, this historic date has been set aside each year to celebrate, reflect and evaluate the nation’s journey. Over the past six and a half decades, Nigeria has experimented with different systems of governance. Upon independence, the country adopted a parliamentary system with regional administrations. In this system the head of state was distinct from the head of government. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe served as Head of State, while Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as Prime Minister. The regional structure has encouraged healthy competition between regions, which has led to notable progress in development.

The First Republic saw significant achievements, including the establishment of first-generation universities such as the Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Agriculture formed the backbone of the economy, generating substantial income. The North was known for its peanut pyramids, cotton, hides; the South-West prospered thanks to the production of cocoa; while the south-east was famous for palm oil. These regional strengths contributed to economic stability and improved living standards.

Despite the agrarian nature of the economy, the quality of life for many Nigerians was relatively good. Our founding leaders laid a solid foundation by investing in functional health, education and rail transportation systems. These infrastructures provided accessible services and supported national development. However, just as the country was gaining momentum, the 1966 military coup abruptly ended the First Republic. That intervention disrupted Nigeria’s development trajectory and changed its political path. Many believe that if democracy had not been truncated, Nigeria would have advanced rapidly, joining countries like India.

Successive military regimes, although credited with building roads, bridges, institutions, and housing estates, were often criticized for corruption, human rights abuses, and lack of accountability. That era also saw the suppression of dissent and the limitation of political freedoms.

The return to democratic government in 1999 ushered in renewed hopes and opportunities for national growth. Yet, more than two decades later, Nigeria is still grappling with the challenge of achieving sustainable and inclusive development. There is widespread insecurity pervading the country. While the Boko Haram terrorists have been technically defeated, leading the remnants to attack easy targets, the bandits are on the rampage attacking communities in Katsina, Sokoto Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Benue and Kwara states. In recent times there has been a strong demand for a state police force, which led to the approval of the “state police bill” which is under discussion in the state assemblies. The state police, if established, will complement the duties of federal securities in addressing security challenges across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of oil subsidies has caused untold hardship to Nigerians. Although the aim of removing subsidies was to curb massive corruption in the subsidy regime, the intervention policies implemented by the Tinubu government to cushion the effects of the high pump price did not achieve the desired results. Nigerians are yet to embrace the Compress Natural Gas (CNG) initiative. The CNG initiative is set to lock in and make energy accessible to Nigerians. This noble initiative was not realized due to poor awareness and the inadequacy of conversion centers. There is a need to establish more CNG conversion centers and fueling stations to meet the ever-increasing needs of Nigerians. The current ones seem insufficient. Although progress has been made in some sectors, the country has yet to reach the level of transformation expected by its citizens. At 66, poverty in the country is increasingly severe, with millions of Nigerians living below the dollar threshold. Local government funds have been seized by governors, despite the Supreme Court ruling that granted the third level of government the right to receive direct allocations from the federation account. I think President Tinubu must enforce the ruling for more grassroots development.

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, it is time to stop the moaning and blame games. This moment requires not only celebration, but deep reflection. The promise of national identity remains alive, but its fulfillment depends on the leadership, responsibility and collective determination of its people.

Ibrahim Mustafa,

Pambegua, Kaduna State 08169056963.