A man who can’t tell where the rain began to beat him cannot know where he dried his body- Chinua Achebe
As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, there is little cause for celebration. October 1, 2024, should serve as a moment of reflection, not festivity. For a nation that fought hard to break the chains of colonialism, we must now confront the harsh reality that, decades later, we are still far from achieving true independence. The struggle today is not for political sovereignty but for economic survival, human dignity, and the restoration of national pride.
Nigeria’s economy is in a downward spiral. The naira has plummeted to all-time lows, hovering dangerously around ₦2,300 to 1 British Pounds, ₦1700 to $1, and inflation continues to eat away at the earnings of the average Nigerian. The ordinary citizen bears the brunt of skyrocketing fuel prices, rising food costs, and failing public services. As millions struggle to put food on their tables, one must ask: Is this the Nigeria envisioned by those who fought for our independence in 1960?
Economic mismanagement and corruption remain at the heart of Nigeria’s woes. Successive governments have promised reforms, yet the same old stories persist—failed infrastructure projects, unaccounted-for billions in oil revenues, and bloated government expenses. The present administration, which once spoke of “renewed hope,” has offered little relief to the suffering masses. A government that fails to secure its currency, ensure food security, or provide basic amenities does not reflect an independent nation, but one still grappling with internal chains.
The decline in the value of the naira is symbolic of a larger issue: Nigeria’s over-dependence on imports and oil exports. Decades after independence, we are yet to develop robust industries that would diversify our economy. Local manufacturing is stifled, and agriculture, once the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, has been abandoned in favor of quick oil wealth. The global transition away from fossil fuels should serve as a wake-up call, yet the government continues to cling to a dying sector. Are we truly independent if our entire economy depends on the global price of crude oil?
Beyond economics, our political landscape offers little hope. Nigeria’s democracy has been hijacked by an elite class, turning political office into a prize rather than a public service. Corruption has become institutionalized, while insecurity festers in every corner of the country. From Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping in the North and South, our national security is in tatters. Are we truly independent when citizens live in constant fear, and the state cannot guarantee their safety?
Education and healthcare—two critical sectors for any developing nation—are on life support. Underfunded universities frequently close due to strikes, leaving students without hope. The health system is a shell of what it should be, with doctors fleeing the country in search of greener pastures abroad. Nigeria’s brain drain is a national crisis, with thousands of our brightest minds contributing to the development of other countries while Nigeria falls behind.
As we reflect on this Independence Day, it is clear that the road to true independence is still long. Independence is not merely the absence of colonial rule but the presence of self-sufficiency, good governance, and the ability to meet the needs of the people. Can we truly celebrate when millions of Nigerians are still in chains—bound by poverty, poor leadership, and a broken system?
There is hope, however. The Nigerian spirit remains unbroken. Across the country, individuals and communities are pushing back against the status quo. Young Nigerians are innovating, starting businesses, and demanding more accountability from their leaders. The rise of civic movements, like the #EndSARS protests, shows that Nigerians are no longer willing to accept the failure of leadership. Our independence must be reclaimed by the people, for the people.
As we commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, let us take a hard look at the state of our nation. The dreams of 1960 may not have been fully realized, but the struggle for true independence continues. It is a fight for economic justice, political transparency, and a future where every Nigerian can live with dignity.
Are we truly independent as a nation?