As Nigerian marks 65th Independence anniversary after colonialism, ActionAid Nigeria AAN, yesterday, asserted that celebration without accountability is empty.
The Country Director, AAN, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said despite Nigeria clocking 65 years, the progress made so far is weigh below the myriads of problems that have plagued and continue to persist in the lives of over 230 million Nigerians as these protracted issues have become harrowing experiences that threatens the peace, unity and existence of the entity called Nigeria because there has not been strong political will and determination to eliminate them which include broad day light corruption, intimidation, inequality, unfriendly policies, insecurity, election malpractices, cybercrimes, Farmer-herder conflicts persist, hunger, poor healthcare, huge loss of professionals through migration, political victimization, suppression of rule of law, high unemployment, violent agitations, nearly 39 per cent of the population, still live below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day.
However, tye ActionAid boss noted that as Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025, the nation had also upheld democracy for 26 years into an unbroken stretch which has been a positive and negative experiences, but it is worth commending of their resilience and endurance of the democratic system, which, despite flaws, has sustained constitutional rule and peaceful transfers of power since 1999.
However, he said ActionAid Nigeria also recognises areas of progress, including new railway projects, private sector-led investments such as the Dangote Refinery, the continued role of agriculture as the backbone of the non-oil economy, and modest improvements in the solid minerals sector, which, if properly managed, could diversify revenue and create jobs. These gains, however, remain overshadowed by persistent crisis that undermine the well-being of millions.
However, he noted that Nigeria remains highly dependent on crude oil for foreign exchange and government revenue, a structural weakness that has left the economy vulnerable to global price shocks and repeated cycles of instability.
According to him, growth has not translated into shared prosperity based on the report of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 63% of Nigerians, or approximately 133 million people, were living in multidimensional poverty in 2022.
Then, the World Bank, claimed that over 87 million Nigerians, nearly 39% of the population, still live below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day.
He also added that regardless of the figure ActionAid Nigeria looks at inflation, which remains above 20% in 2025, has further eroded household incomes and increased the cost of living.
He said: “As we commemorate 65 years of independence, ActionAid Nigeria emphasises that celebration without accountability is empty. Nigerians deserve more than promises. They deserve safety, dignity, justice, and equal opportunities.
“We therefore demand the following urgent actions: Full and timely remittance of all fuel subsidy savings to the Federation Account and transparent use of these funds for social investment.
“A comprehensive overhaul of the education sector, with investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and access to quality learning for all children, especially girls.
“A healthcare reform agenda that prioritises quality and affordable services for all, with particular attention to underserved rural areas.
“Urgent, coordinated, and people-centered responses to the multiple insecurity crises across the country.
“Stronger anti-corruption measures and governance reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending.
“Passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women and a commitment to gender-inclusive governance.
“Reforms to fiscal federalism that give states greater control of their resources, promote competition, and accelerate development.
“Full and timely remittance of all fuel subsidy savings to the Federation Account and transparent use of these funds for social investment.
“Transparent, credible appointments in INEC and the judiciary to guarantee independence, fairness, and accountability in electoral and governance processes.
“ActionAid Nigeria calls on the government to act decisively. Nigerians cannot afford more cycles of unfulfilled promises and the time for real reform is now.”
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