October 1: Independence Must Translate to Better Living Standards for Nigerians, CAPPA Urges Federal Government

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence on October 1, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to ensure that the benefits of self-rule are translated into concrete improvements in citizens’ daily lives—through policies and programmes that tackle poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

In a statement signed by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, CAPPA noted that Independence Day should not be reduced to parades and speeches but should serve as a time of sober reflection. “It must be a moment to assess how far we have come, the challenges that remain, and the urgent steps needed to guarantee that every Nigerian enjoys the real promise of freedom,” the group stated.

CAPPA stressed that true independence is not defined only by political sovereignty but also by social and economic well-being. While acknowledging recent reforms under the Tinubu administration that have drawn praise both locally and internationally, the organisation insisted that such initiatives must be judged by their real impact on households, not by their theoretical appeal on paper.

It observed that any recorded gains are being undermined by rising hardship, with families grappling with soaring food prices, escalating rents, unaffordable electricity tariffs, and limited access to healthcare.

Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasised that independence was anchored on the hope that freedom would restore dignity and empower citizens. “Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,” he said.

Oluwafemi further argued that while the government insists the economy is on a transformative path, the gap between official claims and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians remains wide. “The poor cannot spend ‘economic recovery’ in the marketplace. The real test of any policy lies in how it improves lives at the grassroots,” he added.

According to him, the true promise of independence will only be realised when Nigerians can afford decent meals, live in safe and affordable housing, access quality healthcare and potable water, and educate their children without crippling fees. He urged the government to prioritise people-centred policies that close these gaps.

Highlighting food security as a pressing concern, CAPPA noted that food inflation has left many households unable to afford three meals a day. It called on the government to support farmers with inputs, storage facilities, and access to markets, stressing that Nigeria’s fertile land and abundant labour remain underutilised due to insecurity and poor infrastructure. Strengthening local agriculture, it said, would reduce dependence on imports, lower costs, and make nutritious food more accessible.

The organisation, however, stressed that food security must also be about quality and health. It warned that the growing availability of ultra-processed, sugary products is fuelling obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. CAPPA renewed its call for stronger healthy food policies, including a higher sugar-sweetened beverage tax, front-of-pack labelling on processed foods, and salt reduction targets, to ensure Nigerians not only eat, but eat well.

On the economy, CAPPA cautioned against excessive borrowing to fund recurrent spending, warning that such practices only deepen hardship. It advised the government to cut waste, close financial leakages, prioritise transparency, and channel resources into critical sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives.

Security, the group added, must remain a top priority, as independence means little if people live in fear of violence, kidnapping, or displacement. CAPPA urged investment in community policing, modern security infrastructure, and addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

On education, CAPPA stressed that Nigeria’s future rests on an educated population. Rising school fees, underfunded universities, and poor facilities, it said, continue to deny children and youths access to quality learning. It called for higher budgetary allocations to education, better teacher incentives, and adequate school infrastructure nationwide.

The organisation also identified corruption as a major obstacle to national development. It urged stronger accountability measures to ensure that public funds serve the people rather than being diverted. “Public office must be treated as a trust. Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira, and put national welfare above personal gain,” it stated.

Finally, CAPPA encouraged citizens themselves to uphold the spirit of independence by holding leaders accountable and engaging actively in civic life. “The journey of independence is not only about government actions but also about citizens working together to build a fairer, better society,” the group reflected.