Nigerians urge government to tackle poverty, insecurity at 66th anniversary

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence anniversary on October 1, 2026, citizens are reflecting on the country’s journey while urging the government to translate its abundant human and natural resources into improved living conditions.

Despite Nigeria’s achievements in producing professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and scientists contributing to development at home and abroad, citizens said more deliberate efforts were needed to harness the country’s potential.

Western Post spoke with Nigerians from different backgrounds who acknowledged progress in some sectors but identified poverty, corruption, unemployment, inflation, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure and brain drain as major challenges requiring urgent attention.

A civil servant, Adejoke Adeniyi Jackson, said successive administrations had made efforts to address national challenges but called for stronger action on citizens’ welfare, workers’ remuneration and the fight against corruption.

Jackson said, “Citizens’ welfare should remain a priority while workers should be adequately remunerated and conditions that encourage corrupt practices addressed,” while also advocating industrialisation, reliable electricity and measures to reduce brain drain.

Media practitioner and publicist Adebayo Olodan said the anniversary evoked mixed feelings, citing improvements in power supply and infrastructure alongside economic hardship, inflation, high fuel costs, insecurity and unemployment.

Olodan called for greater investment in local manufacturing, domestic refining and large-scale agriculture, as well as stronger security coordination and transparency in programmes such as the student loan scheme and primary healthcare initiatives.

Retired civil servant Hajia Hassanat Olaperi Mustapha, popularly known as Mama Sardauna, and journalist Muhammad Rabiu in seperate submissions, acknowledged progress in education, health, roads, electricity, telecommunications and workers’ welfare but urged the government to expand employment opportunities, strengthen public schools and security, support local governments and extend development to rural communities.