Nigeria at 66: The Journey from Political Independence to True Independence.
As Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary on 1st October 2026, we have every reason to thank God for the journey so far. Sixty-six years after gaining independence, Nigeria remains territorially and politically independent. We have our own flag, national institutions, elected governments and the sovereign right to determine our affairs.
However, beyond territorial and political independence lies another important question: Have we achieved the true independence that gives citizens the economic freedom, social security, responsible governance and mindset necessary to build the nation of our dreams?
This is where our national reflection must begin.
Political independence gave us the opportunity to determine our own destiny. But true independence requires more than the possession of political sovereignty. It requires economic independence, responsible leadership, productive citizens, strong institutions and a national mindset that places the common good above narrow personal interests.
Sadly, despite our enormous human and natural resources, Nigeria remains heavily dependent in many critical areas. Our economic challenges, including the burden of foreign debt, unemployment, inflation and declining purchasing power, continue to place enormous pressure on individuals, families and businesses.
We are also confronted by insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, poverty, youth unemployment, corruption and concerns about governance and accountability. These challenges are real, but they are not necessarily beyond our capacity to overcome.
Nigeria can work. Nigeria can prosper. Nigeria can rise again.
But this will require a new national consciousness—one that recognises that nation-building is not the responsibility of government alone.
Government Has Responsibilities; Citizens Have Responsibilities Too
One of the messages that The Nigeria that Works for All (NWA) continues to emphasise is the need for Nigerians to understand the relationship between government and citizens.
Government has the responsibility to protect lives and property, provide an enabling environment for economic activity, uphold the rule of law, provide essential public services, protect citizens' rights and use public resources responsibly.
Citizens, on the other hand, have responsibilities. We must obey the law, pay legitimate taxes, protect public property, reject violence, respect the rights of others, participate responsibly in democratic processes and hold public officials accountable.
Democracy cannot succeed when citizens demand their rights but neglect their responsibilities. Equally, citizens cannot be expected to fulfil their responsibilities effectively where government fails to respect their rights and provide responsible leadership.
A better Nigeria therefore requires responsible government and responsible citizenship working together.
The Need for Social Reorientation
The Nigeria that Works for All is a social and civil movement committed to social reorientation and re-engineering towards a better Nigeria that we all deserve to live in, work in and achieve our individual and national goals.
We believe that national transformation must begin with a transformation of the national mindset.
We must move away from the mentality that Nigeria belongs to somebody else and embrace the understanding that Nigeria belongs to all of us.
We must stop celebrating mediocrity simply because it benefits us personally. We must stop defending wrongdoing because the wrongdoer is from our community, ethnic group, religion, political party or circle of friends.
Nigeria needs citizens who will ask not only, “What can Nigeria do for me?” but also, “What can I do to make Nigeria better?”
As 2027 Approaches
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, there is an urgent need for national consciousness and responsible democratic participation.
Elections should not merely be occasions for political mobilisation. They should be opportunities for citizens to examine the credibility, character, capacity, records, programmes and commitment to public service of those seeking political office.
Nigerians should not surrender their political choices to money, ethnic sentiments, religious considerations, intimidation, misinformation or empty promises.
At the same time, voter apathy must be discouraged. Those who have the right to vote should understand that participation in democracy is both a right and a civic responsibility. A democracy becomes stronger when citizens participate meaningfully, peacefully and responsibly.
Our votes should reflect our hopes for the Nigeria we want to build.
A Call to Government and Citizens
On this 66th Independence Anniversary, The Nigeria that Works for All calls on government at all levels to strengthen accountability, improve security, create opportunities for productive employment, support businesses and agriculture, invest in human capital and pursue policies that can reduce economic hardship and dependence.
We equally call on citizens to reject apathy, lawlessness, corruption and destructive ethnic or religious sentiments. Let us demand accountability without destroying the institutions we seek to strengthen. Let us criticise constructively, participate actively and contribute positively.
The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by government alone. Neither will it be built by citizens alone.
It will be built when responsible leadership meets responsible citizenship.
At 66, Nigeria has travelled a long distance, but the journey is not over. We must now move from merely celebrating independence to deliberately building a nation that is economically productive, socially responsible, secure, democratic and inclusive.
And let us remember that the Nigeria that works for all is not merely a slogan—it is a possibility that requires collective responsibility, courage and action.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.
May Nigeria rise. May Nigeria prosper. May Nigeria truly work for all.
Rev’d Omale Wisdom Abah
Convener, The Nigeria that Works for All (NWA)
Abuja, Nigeria.
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