Current realities point to the fact that though Nigeria is no longer under the colonial rule, there is still a long distance between the aim of those who fought for independence and the life Nigerians live.
Herbert Macaulay, one of country’s first civil engineers, was among the first generation of nationalists who protested against some policies introduced by the colonial rulers in the 1920s, including water rates, land issues and management of railway finances. When Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence after various political setbacks and defeats in the parliament, his dreams were that of a free nation devoid of any external influence which will give his people grace to breathe and be able to make decisions for themselves. He was looking at a Nigeria free of being ruled by people who thought their ways of life supersede our own and who forced us to jettison everything about us to suit their own liking. Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and even Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, all contributed to fighting against colonial rule and the excesses of the British government one way or the other for Nigeria to attain independence.
The struggles of the Nigerian of today can’t be pushed aside. In reality, since 1960, it has not really been a bed of roses. The vision of being free from the shackles of the colonialists seems like a mirage as things are not really better in terms of infrastructure, economic growth and general way of living of an average Nigerian. It was a case of post-colonialism, so to speak. There have been lots of economic struggles associated with living in Nigeria since independence and this didn’t get better even since 1999 when Nigeria returned to democratic rule. These point to the fact that the idea of independence seems like a dream in reality.
Governance issues are the number one thorn in the flesh of the people of Nigeria. Those in government seem not to really have the interest of the masses at heart, because most of the policies they push out seem to favour only the ruling class. This has been an issue ever since the British left and we became a republic in 1963. History has it that governance in Nigeria after independence hasn’t been so rosy. There have been various coups d’états by the military, when it seemed civilians in government who were supposedly elected were making life unbearable for the masses, with heavy records of corruption.
Political unrest and bad governance are major reasons the country is facing tough economic struggles as we are. Going down history lane, the first coup d’état in Nigeria took place on January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and a group of junior military officers. The country was under the leadership of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as at then. A group of military officers who were dissatisfied with the government’s perceived corruption and ethnic tensions took over government. They aimed to bring about political and social change. Even the resultant military government wasn’t what the people really wanted, because there was not much difference still. Corruption persisted. The military did not seem to do any better.
Another example is that of the current Senate President, Godwill Akpabio, who announced on national television that the Clerk of the National Assembly had credited the bank accounts of members of the Senate with money that was put at N2 million each, to help them have a good time while on recess at a time many were groaning in the country. Many Nigerians found the statement very ridiculous and inhumane, due to the fact that lawmakers weren’t sent to the National Assembly to spend the national wealth on themselves but to serve. That is a whopping sum of N218 million shared among 109 senators. He withdrew the statement later as it seemed members were reminding him he was on a national television. This was apart from the outrageous amount of money set aside for them to purchase cars when the nation is groaning under debts. Many believe this amount, which was said to have been shared among these lawmakers, could have been put to judicious use rather than being expended on such frivolities as ‘holiday enjoyment’.
The country currently practises bicameral legislature which many citizens see as a waste of resources. In 2022, reports had it that the fiscal deficit narrowed to 4.9 percent of GDP in that year from 5.2 percent in 2021 and was financed by borrowing, bringing public debt to $103.1 billion, which is about 22 percent of GDP from $92.6 billion in 2021. The country is wallowing in debts even while its leaders are setting aside money to buy cars and for ‘holidaying’.
Another issue is lack of job opportunities. The job opportunities available in the country now are so minimal compared to the number of graduates being churned out of our higher institutions yearly. Many in service lie about their ages, making it hard to employ new hands. The high unemployment rate is having impact on many families.
High poverty level and regional inequality, social unrest and high inflation have also taken a toll on many households’ welfare, as prices have increased on household essentials especially between 2020 and 2023. Inflation and the way in which prices of commodities and services rise on a daily is making it hard for the common man to afford basic necessities. Many businesses are folding up. The being increase in the pump price of petroleum products within the period is worrisome, too.
Inadequate power supply is another canker disrupting many things, especially businesses, in the country. Due to erratic power supply, many people who used to find an alternative in petrol to power their generators cannot do that anymore, due to high price of fuel occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy. Business are folding up in droves. Inconsistent economic policies and poor human capital development are also part of the problems facing the economy. The country has ceased to depend solely on oil for some years now due to the fluctuations in global oil prices. This means that the aspect of generating revenue for the country is no longer reliable and other means like enhancing tax collection, attracting foreign investment, promoting agriculture, manufacturing and technology are faced, with a high rise in inflation and debts staring the country in the face.
Unless many of the outlined issues are addressed, the average Nigerian may not have a better story to tell even after a hundred years of independence.
Ishola is a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune.
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