Nigeria @ 64: Nothing to celebrate except corruption.

Nigeria @ 64: Nothing to celebrate except corruption.

By: Femi Ajimuda 

As Nigeria observes its 64th Independence Anniversary, there is little to celebrate. The anticipated joy accompanying such a significant milestone is overshadowed by the harsh realities confronting millions of Nigerians. The once-bright vision of a prosperous, united, and self-sufficient nation has devolved into a persistent struggle against corruption, mismanagement, and failed governance.

The narrative of Nigeria today is characterised by hardship and disillusionment. Basic needs—security, food, healthcare, and education—remain grossly unmet. While the political elite revel in the opulence of office, they can report that ordinary Nigerians are engaged in a daily struggle for survival, confronting poverty, insecurity, and deprivation.

Corruption has emerged as the only enduring system in Nigeria. The same political class that once promised change and transformation has morphed into the architects of stagnation, their insatiable greed perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment. Financial resources earmarked for essential services, such as healthcare, are diverted, leaving the system in disarray. Hospitals throughout the nation lack basic equipment, forcing many citizens to resort to self-medication or seek treatment abroad, a luxury only available to the affluent.

This disconnect between the ruling elite and the populace is glaringly illustrated by the extravagant lifestyles of politicians. While countless Nigerians grapple with the challenge of providing for their families and securing essential services, public officials flaunt obscene wealth. The spectacle of convoys filled with luxury vehicles, extravagant foreign trips, and excessive allowances has become commonplace. In the nation’s capital and other urban centres, government officials reside in lavish mansions, hosting grandiose parties, and living in stark contrast to the grim realities faced by the citizens they purport to serve. This disparity not only fuels public resentment but also significantly erodes trust in governance.

Recent federal government policies, rather than alleviating hardship, have intensified the struggles of the populace. The removal of fuel subsidies, presented as a vital step toward economic stability, has plunged millions into deeper despair. Fuel prices, now exceeding N1000 per litre, have caused transport fares to skyrocket, forcing many to undertake arduous journeys on foot. The ripple effects are devastating as food prices have surged, small businesses reliant on fuel for generators face collapse, and citizens bear the brunt of government incompetence and mismanagement.

Moreover, the impact of taxation has compounded the burden on citizens. Increased taxes without corresponding improvements in public services have left many struggling to make ends meet. The naira has plummeted to record lows, making imports prohibitively expensive and crippling local industries. The over-reliance on oil revenue has left the economy vulnerable, stifling the growth of manufacturing industries that remain dormant, unable to compete in a market dominated by imported goods. Agriculture, once seen as a potential backbone of the economy, has been neglected, and the failure to embrace this sector has further exacerbated food insecurity and unemployment.

In addition to these challenges, the issue of consistent power supply remains a chronic problem for Nigeria. Since gaining independence, the nation has grappled with an epileptic power supply that has stymied industrial growth and left households in the dark. The failure to address this fundamental issue reflects a broader neglect of the essential infrastructure necessary for economic development.

Inflation has reached unprecedented levels, shrinking the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians. What was initially framed as a reform to eradicate corruption in the oil sector has resulted in a situation where the affluent thrive while the impoverished remain ensnared in cycles of deprivation. The promised palliative measures have proven insufficient and poorly implemented, failing to provide any significant relief from the soaring cost of living.
Education, once regarded as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s youth, now stands as a testament to unfulfilled promises. Consequently, millions of children are either out of school or receiving substandard education, further dimming the prospects for a brighter future.

Insecurity emerges as one of the most glaring failures of the Nigerian state. The north grapples with the dual crises of insurgency and banditry, while the rest of the country is plagued by kidnappings, armed robberies, and communal conflicts. Citizens no longer feel safe in their homes, on the streets, or even within places of worship. Those entrusted with the duty of safeguarding the nation seem more preoccupied with protecting their privileges and personal interests.

Amid this turmoil, profligacy reigns in the corridors of power. Public officials live in luxury, seemingly unaccountable for their expenditure of taxpayer funds. Lavish celebrations, excessive salaries, and unwarranted perks for politicians have become commonplace, while the masses continue to languish in poverty. The widening gap between the rulers and the ruled fosters an environment ripe for civil unrest and widespread disillusionment.
Moreover, the political elite’s fixation on elections rather than the welfare of citizens has exacerbated the disconnect. Campaign promises are quickly forgotten once votes are cast, and the focus shifts to the next electoral cycle. This shortsightedness hampers genuine progress and stifles any meaningful effort to address the pressing needs of the populace.

At 64, Nigeria ought to serve as a beacon of success on the African continent, not a cautionary tale of squandered potential. The nation’s rich natural resources, vibrant youth population, and strategic location should have propelled it toward greatness. Instead, the country remains shackled by the very individuals elected to liberate it from the vestiges of colonialism and oppression.
The time for empty rhetoric and vacuous promises has passed. Nigerians demand action. The government must shift its focus from superficial reforms to a genuine confrontation of corruption. A comprehensive reevaluation of national priorities is imperative, emphasising policies that tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Accountability must become the cornerstone of public service, with a relentless commitment to curbing wasteful expenditures.
Nigeria cannot afford to persist on this destructive path. The 64th Independence Anniversary should serve as a clarion call for those in power—a reminder that the voices of the people can no longer be ignored. If the current trajectory remains unchanged, there will be little left to commemorate in the coming years apart from corruption and profligacy.

It is time for a renewed vision, one rooted in transparency, accountability, and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian populace. The citizens deserve far more than what they currently receive, and it is only by addressing these fundamental issues that Nigeria can begin to reclaim the promise of its independence.
The clock is ticking, and the need for change is urgent.

Femi Ajimuda, Executive Director Open rights group