As Nigeria celebrates the anniversary of its independence today, IFEDAYO OGUNYEMI, FUNMILAYO
AREMU-OLAYEMI, TOLULOPE OLUGBADE, MARVELLOUS AGBEJE AND ANJOLAOLUWA ADENUGA sampled the opinions of Nigerians on the level of development they’ve experienced in the country.

On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the Federal Government said it has opted for a low-key celebration of the country’s 63rd independence anniversary. The decision, according to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was in line with the current economic realities. Akume also revealed that no foreign leader was invited to the celebration of the anniversary with the theme “Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.”

This did not surprise many Nigerians, who would, no doubt, have protested a huge celebration and fanfare considering the harsh economic realities and policies of the government that have gravely affected the socioeconomic lives of the people.

While assuring citizens that the government was aware of the economic challenges Nigerians have faced since the removal of the fuel subsidy, Akume further explained that the government was working to provide necessary palliatives to cushion the effects of the policies.

“No world leaders have been invited. This celebration is low-key as I said due to the realities on the ground. We’ve not invited foreign leaders. The time would come when we would gather world leaders to celebrate with us. But for now, none,” the SGF said.

The action by the government was, no doubt, the result of the proper reading of the mood of the citizenry following the numerous economic challenges facing most Nigerians. The challenges in question were contributed to by the removal of petrol subsidy, hike in the pump price of petrol and attendant hike in the cost of food items, transportation, among others.

When Sunday Tribune reached out to gauge the feelings of Nigerians about the progress of the country 63 years after gaining independence celebration, the general reaction is that all is not well.  Many Nigerians, including analysts, spoken to by Sunday Tribune painted a grim picture of situations in the country which have been getting worse on a daily basis.

While appreciating the country for maintaining democratic rule, a broadcaster, Oluwatosin Ologun called on government at all levels to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people while implementing policies that will change the people’s lives for the better.

He disclosed that: “The policies of the government over the years have shaped my life and wasted my time. With the recent coups happening in neighbouring countries, it’s a good thing Nigeria has maintained a democratic government since 1999.

“For the country to be truly independent, government at all levels must walk the talk, embrace growth, obey the rule of law, create a good environment for business to thrive, secure the lives and properties of citizens and make policies only for the public’s good.”

On the quality of life for the average Nigerian, Damilola, an Abuja-based business manager, disclosed that “life as a Nigerian since we last celebrated independence anniversary and now is quite frustrating. We didn’t get to spend excessively on transportation then but the cost of living generally now is abysmal compared to last year’s.”

She explained further that “it’s even worse that small businesses do not have the chance to survive in this recent hardship given the fuel hike and the epileptic power supply which is not helping. Imagine that 10 litres of fuel at the cost of N6,200 will not serve you for a day if there is no proper supply of electricity. It is frustrating. Life in Nigeria is hard and the country’s independence anniversary is not worth celebrating.”

Another respondent, Victor Damilare, a student, expressed worry that it seems the country was moving backwards, adding that such development was rubbing off on the lives of many Nigerians.

“Last year was far better than this, this is obviously known to everyone when talking about the petrol subsidy that was removed which resulted in the high cost of transportation of both humans and goods as well as the level of unemployment that keeps increasing every day. The prices of foodstuff, including cooking gas, have doubled in the market.

“Some tertiary institutions have increased their tuition fees. The increasing rate of drop-outs in both state and federal institutions has led to an increase in the rate of social vices in the country.

“So, the country is not helping me in any way. Only the elites can boast of any lease of life since they are the ones benefitting from what the Federal Government brings to the table. It has been a very tough time. I am now hoping to make good use of any opportunity that comes my way to leave this country for good,” Damilare said.

While describing life as a Nigerian as both a blessing and affliction, an entrepreneur, Oluwatobi Anifowose lamented that there is an increase in the level of unemployment among graduates, adding that “the good part I have come to acknowledge, as a proud Lagosian, is the enhancement of good transportation system made available for citizens, making movement quite easier and accessible even at an affordable rate.”

In his submission, another student, Samuel Abimbola explained the hardship presently faced by Nigerians is only preparing them for the worse, adding that “the country hasn’t improved from what it was last year and it is becoming harder to survive in Nigeria.”

A student, Adeola Owoso said: “Last year was better than this. The prices of foodstuffs now are almost twice that of last year. School fees in state and federal schools are nothing to write home about. Students now commit suicide because of hardship.”

While lamenting the hardship faced in the country, a student, Ebunoluwa Adetunji noted that things have actually changed for the worse when compared with that of last year, adding that “it is not what we Nigerians wanted. The Nigeria economy is not going the way we wanted.”

In his submission, a cleric, Emmanuel Ojuotimiri said there was nothing to show that Nigeria was granted independence 63 years ago as there has been no change in the country’s fortune.

“As a Nigerian, I don’t see any difference between the last time we celebrated 62 years and the 63rd anniversary. Nothing has really changed and that is a major concern.

“Change of power doesn’t translate to changes in the economy. It is just like we keep on repeating the same cycle of suffering and frustration year in and year out. Honestly, we will just keep hoping for the best,” Ojuotimiri said.

On Nigeria’s political journey so far, Blessing Taiwo said the expectation of many Nigerians that the transition at the federal level will change the country for good and usher in relief has not been met, adding that “we can even say there is more difficulty now resulting from fuel price, inflation and some hard or bad government policy.”

Lamenting on the cost of living in the country, Esther Titus said: “The way prices have increased in so many areas of the economy is a no-no for me because it affects my life. There is not enough revenue being supplied to the local government to help the people. When Nigeria was 62 years old, we could get things at a cheaper rate but now the value of our currency has depreciated. $1 is now equivalent to N1,000 but this doesn’t look like it affects the rich.”

Expressing the same hardship, Joy Essiet, a student, said the number of things that one was able to purchase with a certain amount has now decreased, adding that the hardship is being compounded by an increasing number of violent incidents recorded across the country.

Things can still turn around for the better

But Faith Olaoye is optimistic that Nigeria can still be better. According to her, the current situation, high cost of goods and services, collapsed infrastructure, notwithstanding.

“The recent removal of subsidy has only compounded these problems. Many Nigerians are struggling to afford even basic necessities, such as food and shelter. The unfavourable naira-to-dollar exchange rate has made it increasingly difficult for students like me to access education abroad or purchase necessary items from international markets.

“Despite all these difficulties, however, I remain hopeful that Nigeria will experience positive changes in the near future. With a new era on the horizon, there is reason to believe that things will improve for everyone, including students like myself,” Olaoye said.

While expressing optimism that things we get better in the country, Samuel Oyolola said: “My life was better as a Nigerian last year compared to now because of the economy of the country. The life Nigerians live now is harder than that of last year. A dollar is now equivalent to N1,000 now. I hope this does not continue and next year, we will have a better story to tell. I believe Nigeria will get better.”

Expressing the same optimism, Oluwadamilola Ayodele said: “My life as a Nigerian was okay last year and is not to be compared with life this year. This year has been hard but we keep surviving and moving with God’s strength.”

Speaking in the same vein, an entrepreneur, Akin Ogunse, wondered how people survive daily in the country, adding that “although Nigeria is not a country any how person can survive in, one must survive as a human being. I must confess that the economy of this country is something else but I know it is going to be great one day.”

Another student, Simisola Femi-Fanoiki, told Sunday Tribune that “when the country becomes 63 years old, I hope for a better country with a good infrastructural development, employment opportunities for the youth and no more corruption.”

Micheal Adedokun, who is also a student, said the occasion of the independence celebration should serve as an opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian people’s resilience as a nation despite the various challenges being faced by them.

“Our rich cultural heritage continues to shine through in music, art, literature, and vibrant communities nationwide. While there are undoubtedly hurdles, we must overcome, I believe in the potential of Nigeria and its people. Together we can make positive changes by fostering unity amidst diversity,” he said.

In his appreciation of laudable improvements made in some sectors such as the rail mass transit in Lagos, another student, Oluwatamilore Adeogun, called for concerted efforts aimed at addressing the level of insecurity in the country.

Adeogun said: “One of the biggest challenges is the issue of insecurity, particularly the activities of kidnapping and armed robbery. The government has made attempts to address this issue but more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of individuals.

“Another challenge that we face is the ongoing debate about religious diversity. As a Nigerian, the past year has been a time of reflection for many of us. The past elections in Nigeria have shown just how tribalistic Nigerians can be, with candidates being elected based on their ethnic or religious affiliations rather than their merit and qualifications. This is a big challenge for our nation, as it holds us back from achieving our full potential as a society.”

Speaking further, Adeogun said: “As we look towards the next year, it is important that we all play our part in building a better Nigeria. This means respecting and celebrating our religious and ethnic diversity and working together to address the challenges that face our nation. By doing so, we can create a society that is fair, just and prosperous for all.

“Despite the challenges, there are solutions that have come forth to address some of these issues. For example, the new government under President Tinubu has brought a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table. While he may not be the candidate that we wanted, we must have faith that this new government can make a positive impact and bring about the much-needed change that we seek.

“Overall, while Nigeria may still face many challenges, the progress we have made in terms of infrastructure and technology is evident. We must continue to work towards solutions to our challenges and have faith that change will come. I hope that the upcoming Christmas season will bring joy and happiness to everyone. With the changing of seasons come new beginnings, and I pray that the new year will bring forth positive changes and improvements in the areas of infrastructure, security, education and economy. May this Christmas season be a time of reflection for us all, as we contemplate the future of our great nation.”

More Nigerians groan

A financial analyst, Kalu Aja, told Sunday Tribune that the average Nigerian has lost all hope of economic redemption.

“The economic outlook for Nigeria has not improved. It has gone darker, and Nigerians have become poorer. You will struggle to find macroeconomic indicators that have improved in 12 months. Some of the macroeconomic indicators include inflation, gross domestic product, unemployment, interest rates, monetary policy, and consumer spending, among others.”

Speaking in the same vein, a lecturer in the Department of English and Chief Imam of the University of Abuja, Professor Taofeek Azeez, noted that the past year was “turbulent” and “traumatic” because of the bad economy, fuel crisis, naira redesign policy which combined to make life very terrible for Nigerians.

He said the hopes of many Nigerians that a new administration would offer a new lease of life had been dashed by the present economic realities being witnessed in the country.

“Some of us felt that the ruling party may go and there may be a new lease of life. But incidentally, the ruling party came back and the first thing the president did was to announce the removal of petrol subsidy, which was very confusing because when a previous administration removed the subsidy, it created a trauma of implementation and an immediate new price regime which became complicated.

“We expected the president, who is reputed to be highly intelligent, to have handled this matter differently. It looked like a trap set for him and he entered it. It now appeared as if there were multiple governments in Nigeria; the NNPC being the stronger government with a lot of political autonomy. The price regime came up within hours and Nigerians became immobile,” he explained.

He wondered why the government would float the naira when the country is almost dependent on importation, adding that the floating of the naira which is also regarded as the devaluation has forced the economy to go down and further push the people into extreme suffering.

He said: “People are not surviving, people are dying and committing suicide. People have become beggars. I am a professor; I was told to come for a meeting and I told them I would not be able to attend because my salary would not have been paid by then and I do not have the means to transport myself to work. Can you imagine? It has never been this bad. Whoever is advising the president on these two policies doesn’t like him.

“We heard that as a result of the complications in the implementation of the fuel price, he has secretly resumed payment of fuel subsidy so that the price will not rise further and the suffering of people will not rise to the level of hell. Now, we seem to be living in hell.

“There were many things that were calling for attention before the end of the last administration. There was unemployment that was driving people to crime, there was insecurity that silenced everybody, and there was violence around us. Now, we are adding economic hardship to the already deteriorating situation in Nigeria.”

While advising the president, Prof Azeez said: “I wonder why the president is not doing three things; one, identify the oil thieves, who are getting subsidies without supplying a drop of fuel. Two, prosecute and eliminate them. After this, we will now know how much fuel is being imported and how much is the legitimate subsidy that the government should pay. Then plan palliatives, invest in refineries, reverse the subsidy removal or remove it in phases.

“The president didn’t do this, he just announced what was not in the speech. Is there any country making progress in the world that does not enjoy subsidy? The whole of Europe and America, enjoy subsidy. The farmers get subsidy yearly and there are other things that are being subsidised. Why are they removing subsidy on the only thing we enjoy? In Europe, as we speak, there is social security. If you don’t have a job, you get some sort of allowance, but over here, that doesn’t happen. Our education is down, everything is down, and then someone is saying you remove subsidy, for what?

“Everything goes to show a grand confusion. Nigerians are confused. Everybody that was sure of the success of Tinubu, including myself, is disappointed. Nobody seems to know the direction he is going. If he allows this labour strike on Tuesday, he is calling for crisis. My advice for the president is that if he doesn’t have any plan to announce in his (independence anniversary) speech, even if he is not going to do anything, he should announce something. This strike must not happen because Nigerians will gladly not go to work again. We don’t need a crisis in Nigeria. But Mr President doesn’t seem to know that he is inviting a crisis. The hardship is too much. People are already missing Buhari, who now seems to be a better president than Tinubu.

“He should do something to prevent this strike. If I am suffering, I wonder what other people are going through. I cannot afford N40,000 to fuel my car. Many of us have abandoned our cars. Nigeria has become worse. We had very high hopes about the government but we are very disappointed. The body language does not suggest that he is aware of the quantum of suffering he has poured on Nigerians in three months.”

In his submission, a farmer, Mr Kareem Owolabi, said: “Life is difficult, but we thank God that we are still alive because things are not easy in Nigeria. Since May 29 when President Bola Tinubu made the subsidy removal announcement, life has been difficult for Nigerians and how many people are enjoying the palliatives they said they provided?”

In the same vein, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Dr Adeola Egbedokun, also harped on the impact of the petrol subsidy on the average Nigerian, while disclosing that there exists a huge gap between the lives of the political class and the average Nigerians.

“We are not comfortable. It has not been so easy, especially for an average Nigerian and especially for salary earners because our salaries have remained the same for a very long time. Especially for those of us in academics, our salary has remained the same for 14 years and we are not even close to getting anything substantial on our salary.

“Coupled with the fact that there was the removal of subsidy a few months ago when this government took over, it has not been easy at all; prices have skyrocketed, and buying things has not been easy. Sending our kids to school has not been easy, especially if you have to drop them off at school every day. It has not been easy.

“So, you can see the trouble we are facing as Nigerians. If we compare our lives with that of our leaders, there is a huge gap and they are not thinking of closing that gap it in any way. All they care about is how to enrich themselves more and leave us behind. Unfortunately, we don’t have roads, we don’t have electricity, we don’t have anything, government is not providing anything for anybody.

“What we call social amenities are not there in any way. Travelling from Ife to Ibadan is now like going through hell. Is that what we should be going through at this time? No, I don’t think so. At times, when you go on public transport, you will blame yourself at the end of the day. If you travel with your car, you are also in trouble, because you may lose your tyre. You may lose anything on the road. It has not been easy; it has been very challenging,” he narrated.

Lamentations continue on social media

In response to an opinion poll posted on the Nigerian Tribune’s social media platforms, the gale of lamentations was similar to those gathered by Sunday Tribune. On Facebook, Moses Adewole said, “Nigeria @ 63 can be likened to people with several missed opportunities and people who make the same mistakes repeatedly and intentionally but expect different results.”

Onasanya Timothy Foluwaso simply said he was sorry for himself being called a Nigerian citizen without explaining further.

Charles Chinedu Ndukauba, on his part, said: “It has always been a war amongst ethnicity. Full of storms and underdevelopment. Failure of government bodies and media.”

Omilani Ade Goke said there was nothing to celebrate in Nigeria, adding that “there has never been a moment of success in Nigeria since 1960. The government has been compelling the citizens of this country to be patient since then till now. All leaders are visionless. Livelihood is nothing to write home about.”

In the words of Christian Ahsu, “Things are getting worse every day.” Prince Henry Udoh, on his part, said life in Nigeria is “just survival of the fittest. This is just as Mūhāmmæd Gæmbœmī described life as “full of hardship.” Job Taiwo Tbone, on the other hand, described life in Nigeria as “hopeless hope.”

While expressing optimism towards the progress of the country so far, Oluniyi Victor Olasunmbo said: “We are progressing little by little. We will surely get to our promised land soon.”

Danique Hub expressed worry that the country is still underdeveloped even after 63 years of independence. “We are still underdeveloped after 63 years. What is the way forward?” he quizzed.

While George Okere described the country as a “failed state,” Udeh Sunday described life in the country as “very hard.” In the same vein, Abdulsalam U. Abdulmumini noted that life is “not really good.

On X (formerly called Twitter), Grace Amirikpa (@amirikpa_g) said “It is only in Nigeria that a secondary school holder will lead professors, doctors etc. for eight years and backtracks the country’s development to become the poorest nation in the world.

“Life as a Nigerian has been interesting. It is only in Nigeria that evil is good and good is evil.”

Adetunji Rilwan (@semaco12) described life as “unspeakable,” while Olagoke Suulola™  (@SunnyolOFFICIAL) said only Nigerians who are tough can survive the tough situation in the country. “Tough times never last but tough Nigerians do,” he said.

In his assessment, Kris (@Lilchrix) said things are “terrible,” adding that there’s “hardship everywhere.”

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