Mohammed Bougei Attah
After decades of independence and enormous human and natural resources, what must Nigeria change so that future generations will have substantially more to celebrate?”
Nigeria undeniably possesses substantial human and natural resources, including petroleum and the long-standing industrial potential represented by Ajaokuta and other steel projects. Yet the existence of resources has not automatically translated into broad prosperity.
The important issue, therefore, is not simply what Nigeria possesses, but how effectively its institutions and leadership have converted those resources into productive capacity, jobs, infrastructure, education, security and improved living standards.
They involve institutional weaknesses, policy inconsistency, corruption, insecurity, weak accountability, infrastructure deficits, poor implementation, and the difficulty of sustaining long-term national projects across successive administrations.
Nigeria has every reason to celebrate its independence, but not necessarily every reason to celebrate its performance since independence.
Independence Day should therefore become both a celebration and a national accountability moment.
The way forward should include:
Move from resource dependence to productive capacity. Oil should finance diversification rather than remain the centre of the economy.
Rebuild strategic industries. Steel, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and technology should be treated as foundations of economic independence.
Strengthen institutions rather than personalities. Transparent procurement, effective auditing, accountability and enforcement of existing laws are essential.
Make human capital a national priority. Education, technical skills, research and entrepreneurship are ultimately more valuable than any finite natural resource.
Demand continuity in national projects.
Governments should not routinely abandon worthwhile projects simply because they were initiated by predecessors.
Give citizens a stronger role in accountability. Civil society, professional bodies, the media and citizens should continue to scrutinise public expenditure and government performance.
Measure independence by outcomes.
The real test is whether Nigerians have increasing opportunities to live securely, work productively and participate meaningfully in national development.
Nigeria has every reason to celebrate the historic achievement of independence, but Independence Day should also be a moment of honest reflection.
Our abundant human and natural resources have not yet produced the level of development, prosperity and national dignity that they should.
The challenge before us is therefore not merely to celebrate independence, but to make independence meaningful through accountable leadership, strong institutions, productive industries, human capital development and responsible citizenship.
The future of Nigeria must be built not on the resources we possess, but on how wisely and transparently we use them for the benefit of all.
Attah is a social worker, procurement professional and anti-corruption expert.