Abuja, Nigeria —
Nigeria marked its 64th anniversary of independence on Tuesday in a generally somber atmosphere. Persistent inflation, a pervasive security situation, and unpopular economic reforms have left many Nigerians feeling dissatisfied and pessimistic.
In comments on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged these challenges but said continued reforms would lead to prosperity.
“As President, I assure you that I am fully committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our people,” Tinubu said. “There are silver linings to the reforms we are implementing and we once again ask for your patience as we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
This year’s Independence Day takes place amid widespread discontent. Inflation is at record highs and the devaluation of the naira has eroded purchasing power.
Citizens such as Felix Chukwuemeka and Kenneth Agwu question whether it is appropriate for the country to celebrate.
“Given the difficulties of the economy and the country, I feel it is not worth celebrating because most of us businessmen feel that it is not easy for everyone,” Chukwuemeka said.
“The 64th anniversary of our independence means we should be fully grown, but as of now we are just crawling,” Ugwu said. “It’s a shame.”
Many Nigerians see the economic hardship as a result of reforms promoted by Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the fluctuation of the naira.
Mr Tinubu on Tuesday said the reforms were essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
Amid nerves, the government canceled the usual holiday parades and displays in Abuja and held only a small ceremony closed to the public.
Economist Isaac Botti said the modest celebrations were justified.
“What is the basis for celebrating independence?” asked Botti. “I think it is in the president’s best interest to completely shelve any form of celebration because Nigerians are angry. If this continues, there will be a public uprising that the president may not be able to control.”
Demonstrators shout slogans as they protest against insecurity, hunger and hardship during the 64th Independence Day celebrations in Lagos, Nigeria, October 1, 2024.
Nigerians are also concerned about the general insecurity in many parts of the country, particularly in the northeast, where militants believed to be Boko Haram militants opened fire at a Yobe market in September, killing nearly 40 people. is holding.
The president said the government was making progress against extremists.
“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the north and allowed thousands of our people to return home,” Tinubu said. “This is an unfinished business and our security agencies are committed to finishing it as soon as possible. We hope that as soon as peace can be restored to many communities in the troubled areas of the north, farmers will be able to return to their farms. I can.”
The President asserted that stability was on the horizon, saying that despite current challenges, his government believed Nigeria could still chart a path to a better future.
