By Odomero Igbodo
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary today, October 1, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the essence of nationhood translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
In a statement marking the occasion, and signed by Robert Egbe, Media and Communications Officer of CAPPA, the organisation said Independence Day should go beyond ceremonial parades and official speeches. Instead, it should serve as a period of sober reflection on the country’s progress, lingering challenges, and the urgent need for policies that guarantee dignity, security, and economic well-being for all Nigerians.
CAPPA acknowledged the reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the past year, but stressed that such initiatives must be measured by their impact on households rather than their acclaim on paper. The organisation observed that the daily realities of many Nigerians remain marked by high food prices, unaffordable healthcare, rising rents, and escalating electricity tariffs.
Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, noted that the promise of independence has always been rooted in hope for a better life for citizens. “Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,” he said.
Oluwafemi emphasised that economic recovery must be judged by whether it improves life at the grassroots.
He argued that citizens cannot spend “official economic recovery” at the market, underscoring that independence would only be meaningful when Nigerians can afford decent meals, safe housing, quality healthcare, potable water, and affordable education.
The group identified food security as a major priority, urging the government to invest in local food production through support for farmers, provision of storage facilities, and improved market access.
CAPPA warned that while hunger is on the rise, unhealthy ultra-processed foods are saturating the market, increasing risks of obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses.
It renewed its call for stronger nutrition policies, including a higher sugar-sweetened beverage tax, mandatory front-of-pack warning labels, and salt reduction measures.
On the economy, CAPPA cautioned against unsustainable borrowing, insisting that loans should be channelled into productive investments rather than recurrent expenditure.
It advised the government to curb waste, close financial leakages, and direct resources to critical sectors.
The organisation also highlighted insecurity as a persistent obstacle to development, noting that independence holds little meaning if citizens live under constant fear of violence, kidnapping, or displacement.
It urged investment in community policing, modern security infrastructure, and tackling root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
In education, CAPPA decried rising school fees, underfunded public universities, and poor learning facilities, which continue to limit access to quality learning.
It called for increased funding, incentives for teachers, and stronger support for schools at all levels.
The group further pointed to corruption as one of the greatest impediments to progress, stressing that public office must be seen as a trust.
“Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and prioritise national welfare over personal interests,” it said.
CAPPA urged the Federal Government to use the 65th Independence Anniversary as an opportunity to recommit to people-centred governance, while also calling on citizens to hold leaders accountable and participate actively in civic life.
