Nigeria At 65: Citizens Seek Renewed Commitment To Democracy, Development

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, citizens and civic leaders have urged renewed commitment to democracy, human rights, and development, cautioning that the nation’s founding dreams of unity and prosperity risk being undermined by impunity, corruption, and neglect.

At a press briefing in Abuja, the executive director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, described Nigeria’s condition as a paradox—where official claims of reform and stability contrast sharply with the realities of poverty, insecurity, and disillusionment across communities.

“Sixty-five years after independence, anniversaries now remind citizens of unfulfilled promises. The dream of democracy, prosperity, and justice is being replaced by a rising tide of impunity and neglect,” he said.

Zikirullahi warned that democratic institutions meant to safeguard citizens are increasingly weakened or captured by vested interests, with allegations of intimidation of opposition voices, curtailing of civic freedoms, and violations of the Electoral Act threatening Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

On the judiciary, CHRICED expressed concern over what it termed “widespread corruption, inefficiencies, and political interference,” which it said have eroded public confidence in justice delivery. “The judiciary is no longer immune to executive weakness. High-profile cases are diluted or dismissed without consequence,” he added.

The organisation also raised alarm over worsening economic hardship, pointing to inflation, rising unemployment, and deepening poverty. With more than 130 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty and youth unemployment surpassing 40 percent, CHRICED warned that the gulf between citizens and leaders is dangerously widening.

It further lamented the “shrinking civic space,” citing harassment of journalists, activists, and civil society organisations. Referring to crackdowns on peaceful protests, the group cautioned that democracy cannot thrive under intimidation and suppression of voices.

On the way forward, CHRICED called for urgent electoral reforms to restore credibility, stronger anti-corruption measures, and greater investment in health, education, and social infrastructure. It also pressed for justice for Abuja’s indigenous communities through political recognition and restoration of land rights.

“The time for passive hope has passed. The time for courageous, collective action is now,” the civic group declared, urging Nigerians to unite in demanding accountability, justice, and inclusion.