By Patrick Idowu
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Tuesday, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), called on the Federal Government to implement people-centered policies that would ease the prevailing economic hardship across the country.
The anniversary, themed “Nigeria @65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” featured civic, cultural, and religious activities, including Independence Day parades nationwide. But for many residents in the capital, the celebration was overshadowed by concerns over rising inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, and the impact of recent economic reforms.
Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, a businessman in Bwari, said the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates had crippled small businesses.
“Both traders and consumers are struggling to cope. Sometimes I sell goods below cost just to feed my family.
If things continue like this, I’ll eventually go out of business,” he lamented, blaming corruption and poor policies for Nigeria’s woes despite its vast natural resources.
A university lecturer, Mr. Charles Ibe, stressed the need to diversify the economy. While noting that subsidy removal was well-intentioned, he said it had worsened poverty levels.
“Funds saved must be invested in visible infrastructure and poverty-alleviation programmes.
“With fertile land, mineral wealth, and favourable weather, no Nigerian should live in poverty,” he said.
For many civil servants, the economic reality has become unbearable. Mr. Stanley Osho from Gwagwalada said skyrocketing rents have forced workers to relocate to poorly serviced areas, while high transport costs mean many only report to the office a few times a week.
“These realities are destroying productivity and hurting the economy,” he said, urging government to regulate rents and provide affordable public transport.
Mrs. Confidence Samuel, another civil servant, described the N70,000 minimum wage as inadequate.
“Salaries barely last two weeks. The government must review wages and intervene in food production to stabilize prices,” she said.
Others emphasized reforms in the power sector. A teacher, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, argued that unreliable electricity is stifling investment and business growth.
“Without steady power, industries can’t thrive. Fixing the power sector must be a priority,” he said.
While frustrations ran high, some residents struck a note of optimism. Mr. Akpoko Uloko, a civil servant, said Nigeria had made notable progress despite its challenges, while cleric James Adeyemi described independence as a reminder of freedom and hope.
“With divine guidance and effective leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges,” Adeyemi added.
For many FCT residents, however, the consensus remains that at 65, Nigeria must urgently match reforms with policies that directly improve the daily lives of its citizens.
