Nigeria@62: The highs and lows

Today, Nigeria celebrates its 62nd anniversary. However, some Nigerians see the day as a mixed bag of feelings; TOPE SUNDAY and HUSSEIN ISA seek the views of the citizens.

Sixty-two years ago, Nigeria gained her independence from Great Britain, and then went on to assume a republican status in 1963. Since then it has produced 15 presidents and heads of state who had governed it at one time or the other. In population, it has over 200 million citizens, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and 774 local government areas. Aside from the civil war, which occurred between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970, Nigeria has not recorded any major war since its existence.   

Although in the last couple of years, the country has been battling with the issue of insecurity amid heightened tension. Some citizens still have the hope that one day, all the teething problems will be surmounted and overcome. But on the economic front, and corruption, Nigeria is rated low, and there are arguments that going by its year of independence, those major noticeable issues should have been tackled headlong years ago.

‘Despite challenges, Nigeria’s democracy enduring’

Speaking to Blueprint Weekend, a Legislative Aide at the National Assembly, Usman Aliyu, said despite the noticed challenges, Nigeria’s democracy is enduring, and has recorded remarkable progress, though a bit slow.

He said: “Nigeria at 62 has been a mixed bag. There have been some low and some high points in the past 62 years of Nigeria’s existence. Nigeria’s corporate existence as one country has faced so many challenges. In fact, the country fought a very bitter civil war and has faced coups and several tension-soaked moments, but it has survived all these challenges and drawbacks. 

“Also, our democracy is finally enduring. After so many false starts, our democracy is finally underway and we have now spent 23 years of unbroken democracy, something unprecedented in our history. It shows progress, albeit slow. There have been numerous challenges, especially on the development front. This is where one is left to bemoan the acute development challenges that confront citizens on a daily basis. For example, on the economic front, Nigeria is still struggling, especially in manufacturing, debt management, and unemployment and infrastructure deficits. 

“Yet, we have seen, particularly with regards to the infrastructure, the strides of the Buhari administration that will get us across the line. And it is on that optimistic note that I dare say that some of the challenges that confront us today, like insecurity, are but a passing phase.”

‘We’re not yet there’

On his part, a teacher, Mr. Aloba Omoferimi, told our reporters that at 62, Nigeria is not yet there in terms of economy, arguing that the country’s security is poor.

“When it comes to the economy, Nigeria is not where it should be, looking at the indices of growth and development. The government’s inability to provide adequate security for its investment in the case of the Abuja-Kaduna railway, incessant increase in inflation, unemployment and failure to take advantage of the global oil price hike are just a few of the shortcomings of the government. We should not forget the jeopardised education sector, too,” he said.

‘Corruption, tribal sentiments, others albatross’  

In her view, a civil servant, Mrs. Hauwa Zubair, noted that corruption, religion, nepotism, and tribal sentiments are part of the factors that have delayed the country’s development at 62.

She said: “In my opinion, Nigeria is far behind in terms of economic and political developments. It’s disheartening that after 62 years of independence, we are still crawling in spite of all the resources we are endowed with. We are where we are today due to corruption, religion, nepotism, tribal sentiments, etc.”

‘Nigeria should’ve stood toe to toe with advanced nations’

Also commenting, a public affairs analyst, Comrade Sunday Alifia, said at 62, Nigeria should be competing with advanced nations, be a productive and an industrialised nation.

He said, “Nigeria is 62 years old and it appears that the maturity level is still like that of a child that is still suckling. Nigeria is still struggling and having difficulties in keeping itself intact, with all the features of a failed nation everywhere.  At the age of 62 as a nation endowed with the best resources in the world, we should have been competing with the advanced nations. By now, Nigeria should have become a productive and industrialised nation, but what do we get?

“We are just a mere consumption nation to the point that no nation survives without having Nigeria as its supermarket where used and fake goods are dumped. We are still depending on virtually everything to survive as a nation. Why are we indebted heavily to China and other industrialised nations? There is nothing like observing the balance of trade anymore due to our over dependence on foreign goods.

“With the drums and the street dances of separatism and agitations cutting across the six geopolitical zones; the formation of separate security outfits such as Amotekun in the West, Ebube Agu, IPOB, ESN all in the Eastern part of the country. We have militants in the Niger Delta, Boko Haram, and others in the North. All these are elements of a troubled nation after 62 years of independence which shouldn’t be taken for granted.” 

He added, “Nigeria has been judged internationally as the capital city of a poverty ravaged nation. Certainly not dooms say. The reality is here with us. As it stands, Nigeria has recorded the highest inflation rate of over twenty percent in the month of August, the highest in 20 years. The Naira rate to a dollar remains very high, cost of living, food and other basic needs are out of reach. So, what then should we as a nation that is blessed boast on? We have produced and improvised more poor people in the land than making them.

“Really, we have not fared well and the crux of the matter is that Nigeria is not abundantly blessed with selfless leaders. We have at least been able to parade looters, selfish leaders over the years and who knows, come 2023, Nigerians should be able to choose between life and death, darkness and light.

 “Concerned Nigerians are disturbed over the insecurity in the country especially when Aso Rock that hosts our safety center came under attack; Kuje prison  attack, NDA headquarters attack, series of killings and kidnappings for ransom and political tensions bedeviled with messages of divisive and ethnic chauvinism everywhere are all pointers to a nation that is struggling.” 

According to him, “When the Northern governors and their southern counterparts brainstorm separately on the burning national discourse (Nigeria matter) what does that portend? Is the center no longer holding? Today, we preach Igbo president, Yoruba president ‘it is my turn.’  The Hausa/Fulani and a host of other tribes are agitating to produce their own ethnic president; are we really in one accord?

“Is our togetherness not threatened? Is this union that produced Nigeria not collapsing after we have stayed together for 108 years as a nation? I remain resolute in my views that going separate ways is not the best option, but we must prevent it by answering some salient questions as to what is fueling the agitations. Any meaningful points raised by agitators? Do we have leaders who listen to the yearnings and aspirations of the vast majority? 

“The points that have been raised by political gladiators from separate zones and the separatists are clear indication that all is not well with Nigeria and we must not pretend as political leaders. Nigerian project must be discussed without emotions and political inclination, and this is the only panacea to stop the upheaval in the land!”