Nigeria at 65: A Nation of unmet expectations
One thing we look forward to as children was march past (we pronounced as match pass) every October 1st and Children’s Day celebration, adorned in our colourful school uniforms and sparkling white socks. Woe betide any parent who did not provide new socks, it would be sea of tears). I can remember vividly the march past and cultural display and how my school will always come first in the competition. It was all fun. Fast forward to today, the story is not the same. Our children today cannot relive our childhood memories. I sit and wonder what Nigeria at 65 should be, what Nigeria at 65 is and what Nigeria will be.
Of course, Nigeria is older than me, but I am privileged to hear stories of Nigeria before and after independence. I also know what to expect from a country like Nigeria which is blessed with numerous mineral resources and fore-fathers fill with wisdom, knowledge and understanding, in a country with wealth of experience. But I cannot boost of Nigeria at 65, I am not proud of Nigeria at 65. Nigeria at 65, can be likened to a two year old child, who has no understanding of the world, is like a blank slate, full of curiosity and wonder, limited understanding, often mimicking the actions and behaviors of others. Imagine a 65 year old man learning how to walk.
Don’t blame me, Nigeria has not given me another option. Let me give you reasons why I liken Nigeria to a toddler.
Nigeria, being Africa’s most populous country, can be described as still being in its developmental stage. Like a toddler, Nigeria has immense growth potential. With the right nurturing and support, the country can develop rapidly and reach new heights. Toddlers face many challenges as they learn and grow, and Nigeria is no different. The country grapples with issues like corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure development, which can hinder its progress. A toddler’s basic needs include food, shelter, and care. Similarly, Nigeria’s basic needs include stable governance, economic development, and social services like healthcare and education. Toddlers can be unpredictable, and Nigeria’s development trajectory is also marked by uncertainties. The country’s future depends on various factors, including leadership, policy decisions, global economic trends amongst others.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary of independence, the nation is at a crossroad, grappling with the challenges of its past while striving for a better future. Despite being Africa’s most populous country and having vast natural resources, Nigeria’s journey to greatness has been marred by corruption, mismanagement, and insecurity.
Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, was a moment of great promise, with leaders like Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, envisioning a bright future for the nation. However, the country’s progress has been hindered by military coups, civil war, and poor governance. Today, Nigeria faces significant challenges, including a struggling economy, inadequate infrastructure, and rising insecurity.
At 65, Nigeria’s economy is still heavily reliant on oil, despite efforts to diversify. The country is grappling with high inflation, unemployment, and poverty, with over 60% of the population living in multidimensional poverty. The healthcare system is also facing significant challenges, with many Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad due to the lack of quality healthcare facilities at home.
Nigeria needs to invest in infrastructure development, such as roads, electricity, and healthcare facilities, to support its growth, the country should diversify its economy to reduce its reliance on oil and promote sustainable growth. One of the reasons for Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote fracas today, is due to heavy reliance on oil. If Nigeria should diversify, the level of dominance will largely reduce. Nigeria needs to address security challenges and promote stability to create a conducive environment for development.
There are opportunities for growth in Nigeria considering the large youthful population. Nigeria’s youthful population presents a significant opportunity for growth, innovation, and development. The country is also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and fertile land, which can be leveraged for economic development. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria can unlock its economic potential and become a major player in the global economy. Overall, likening Nigeria to a toddler highlights the country’s developmental challenges and opportunities. With the right support and investments, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and reach its full potential.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope. President Bola Tinubu, has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65, aiming to address brain drain and improve healthcare delivery (I wish and pray it’s not just in words but in action, let policy statement become reality). Additionally, Nigeria’s youthful population, with over 60% under the age of 30, has the potential to drive innovation and growth.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary, it’s essential for the nation to reflect on its progress and challenges. To move forward, Nigeria needs to prioritise good governance, invest in infrastructure, and promote economic diversification. The government must also address the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and inequality to create a more prosperous future for its citizens.
Nigeria’s economy is struggling with high inflation, unemployment, and poverty. The country is facing significant security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Corruption remains a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development, with many institutions being accused of being captured by corrupt interests. Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and healthcare facilities, is in dire need of improvement.
As earlier stated, Nigeria’s young population has the potential to drive innovation and growth, the country has vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and fertile land, which can be leveraged for economic development, Nigeria has the potential to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil
Here’s a list of Nigeria’s past leaders since independence in 1960:
Civilian Leaders- Prime Minister
– Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: 1960-1966, served as the first Prime Minister of Nigeria
Presidents
– Nnamdi Azikiwe: 1963-1966, served as the first President of Nigeria
– Shehu Shagari: 1979-1983, served as the first elected President of Nigeria after the military rule
– Olusegun Obasanjo: 1999-2007, served two terms as President
– Umaru Musa Yar’Adua: 2007-2010, served as President until his death in 2010
– Goodluck Jonathan: 2010-2015, served as President after Yar’Adua’s death
– Muhammadu Buhari: 2015-2023, served two terms as President
– Bola Ahmed Tinubu: 2023-present, current President of Nigeria.
Military Leaders
– Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi: 1966, served as the first military Head of State
– Yakubu Gowon: 1966-1975, served as Head of State during the Nigerian Civil War
– Murtala Muhammed: 1975-1976, served as Head of State until his assassination
– Olusegun Obasanjo: 1976-1979, served as Head of State after Muhammed’s assassination
– Muhammadu Buhari: 1983-1985, served as Head of State after a military coup
– Ibrahim Babangida: 1985-1993, served as Head of State and annulled the June 12 elections
– Ernest Shonekan: 1993, served as Interim Head of State
– Sani Abacha: 1993-1998, served as Head of State until his death
– Abdulsalami Abubakar: 1998-1999, served as Head of State and handed over power to Obasanjo.
