The giant of Africa turns 65, and the air is thick with the depth of critical reflection. Independence Day is more than just a public holiday, it’s a moment for the nation to pause and listen to the pulse of its people. Across all geopolitical zones, Nigerians are united by a common desire for a better, more functional nation.
The messages are not mere complaints, they are powerful calls to action, a fervent plea for a national reset. Here are 10 powerful messages Nigerians want the nation, and its leaders, to hear at this significant milestone:
1. Security First: A Nation Must Protect Its Own
The paramount message is a demand for a comprehensive overhaul of the security system. From tackling banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, to insurgency in the North-East, and regional tensions elsewhere, Nigerians want to move without fear. A secure nation is the foundational prerequisite for any form of development.
2. The Economy Must Work for Everyone
The masses are reeling from economic hardship. The message is clear: economic reforms must translate into tangible relief. This includes taming the hyper-inflation that has eroded purchasing power, stabilising the exchange rate, and creating sustainable, productive jobs, especially for the teeming youth population.
3. Accountability
Nigerians are tired of corruption being a way of life. They want decisive action against graft at all levels, from federal institutions to local government. The message is to strengthen anti-corruption agencies and ensure that public officers are held accountable for their actions and use of public funds.
4. Consistent and Reliable Power Supply
Decades of darkness have crippled small businesses and frustrated everyday life. The nation must hear the demand for stable, affordable electricity. Reliable power is the bedrock of industrialisation and is critical to attracting foreign and domestic investment.
5. Prioritise Quality Education and Healthcare
The dream of accessible, quality public education and world-class healthcare is fading. Nigerians demand a significant increase in funding and better management for these two critical human capital sectors to stop ‘Japa’ and build a productive future.
6. True Federalism and Devolution of Power
There is a growing clamour for restructuring the Nigerian state. The message is that the current centralised system is unsustainable. Nigerians want a more equitable distribution of resources and power, allowing regions to develop at their own pace and manage local security concerns.
7. Unity in Truth, Not Just Lip Service
The national unity often proclaimed must be genuine, transcending ethnic and religious divides. Nigerians want to see concrete government action that fosters inclusion, meritocracy, and social justice, rather than politics based on regional or sectarian identity.
8. Invest in Agriculture and Food Security
With food inflation at its peak, the urgency to invest massively in the agricultural sector cannot be overstated. The message is to secure farmlands, provide support for farmers, and promote a “Made-in-Nigeria” culture to achieve self-sufficiency and become a nation of producers, not just consumers.
9. Infrastructure that Connects and Supports
From dilapidated federal roads to inadequate transport links, the plea is for deliberate, consistent investment in modern infrastructure. Nigerians want roads, railways, and ports that reduce the cost of doing business and seamlessly connect all parts of the country.
10. Listen to the Youth: Harness the Demographic Dividend
Nigeria’s youth are its biggest asset and its most vocal critics. The message is: create an environment where young people can thrive. Provide equitable opportunities, support innovation, and meaningfully involve young voices in governance and policy-making.
As the national anthem calls for compatriots to arise, the collective voice of the Nigerian people echoes a firm commitment to a better nation. The 65th anniversary is not just a milestone but a clarion call for every Nigerian to take responsibility for the nation’s future. While leadership must act decisively by addressing security, economic hardship, corruption, and infrastructure, individuals also have a role to play.
Each citizen can contribute by holding leaders accountable, supporting local businesses, fostering unity across divides, and actively participating in community development. The path to a prosperous Nigeria begins with collective effort, where personal integrity, civic engagement, and a commitment to nation-building become the norm. Let us rise as compatriots, not just in song but in action. Engage in your community, demand accountability, and champion the values of justice and progress. Together, let’s build a Nigeria that reflects our shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and true unity.
