As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Day, the PROVOQIT Transparency & Accountability Project has issued a powerful call to transform reflection into action, urging citizens and leaders to chart a bold path toward a more prosperous and equitable nation.
In a statement marking the milestone, the organisation congratulated Nigerians on their resilience but emphasised that the country’s vast potential remains untapped, mainly due to persistent challenges.
Born in 1960 with abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and human talent, Nigeria has faced decades of setbacks from corruption, insecurity, and weak institutions. Despite these hurdles, PROVOQIT highlighted the nation’s achievements, including 26 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999—a rarity in Africa—and the global impact of Nigerian music, literature, technology, and entrepreneurship. The vibrancy of youth movements and civil society also signals hope for change.
However, the organisation stressed that celebration alone is insufficient. “Reflection is not enough,” said Prince Tochukwu Okorie, executive director of PROVOQIT. “Nigeria must move from rhetoric to results.” The statement outlined key priorities for the nation’s future: strengthening independent institutions, ensuring transparency in public spending, and intensifying anti-corruption efforts.
It noted that economic diversification is critical, with investments needed in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy to create jobs and reduce reliance on oil.
PROVOQIT also called for comprehensive security reforms, community engagement, and swift justice to address insecurity and impunity. The organisation emphasised inclusive governance, advocating for gender, youth, and marginalised communities to be at the heart of policymaking.
It further urged a commitment to genuine federalism and equitable resource allocation to harness Nigeria’s diversity as a strength.
“Nigeria has shown it can remain one. Now we must prove we can thrive together,” Okorie said, challenging leaders to view public office as a trust, not a privilege. PROVOQIT reaffirmed its mission to spark dialogue, empower citizens, and drive reforms for transparent and accountable governance.
