Nigeria at 65: FG Urges Unity And Inclusivity

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The Federal government has for the second successive year opted for a lowkey celebration to mark Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960. At an inter-ministerial press briefing to unveil the programme on Monday, September 29, at the National Press Centre, Abuja, a team of high-ranking government officials led by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, laid out the achievements of the administration and the grounds for optimism despite the head currents.

Akume said the occasion calls for sober reflection, not euphoria. “It is important to remind ourselves that Independence Day is more than a ceremonial date on our national calendar. It is a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to the ideals of unity, peace, and progress which our founding fathers fought so valiantly to secure.”

He noted that Nigeria’s journey from 1960 has been a mixed grill, “marked by triumphs and trials, moments of joy and of testing, but through it all, the Nigerian spirit has remained unbroken. We have endured challenges in governance, economy, security, and social cohesion. Our true strength lies in our capacity to consistently rise after every storm, to rebuild after every setback, and forge ahead with resilience and faith in our destiny as a great nation.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands On Deck For A Greater Nation.” Akume explains its import: “This theme is both a reminder and a charge. It reminds us that the responsibility of building a greater Nigeria is not the task of government alone, but a responsibility for every citizen comprising the youth and elder, men and women, public servants and private entrepreneurs, farmers and professionals, teachers, military and para-military, traders and artisans as well as those at home and in the Diaspora. All hands must indeed be on deck for us to realise the Nigeria we envision which is a nation united in purpose, rich in diversity, and resolute in progress.”

Akume said government’s economic reforms “are bold, sometimes difficult, but necessary steps aimed at stabilising our economy, restoring investor confidence, and laying a foundation for long-term growth.”

These reforms, he reported, “already are witnessing positive results. Inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows are showing renewed interest, job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for our youth, and social intervention programmes are being strengthened to cushion the effects of reforms on vulnerable groups. These gains, though modest, are a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda are on course, and with perseverance, greater dividends will be realised.”

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, summarised the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the past two years.

He waxed mystical to underline the historical import of the anniversary. “Sixty-five is a number associated with the gemstone known as sapphire – which symbolises loyalty, trust, truth, nobility, sincerity, beauty and wisdom – all of which happen to be defining qualities of the Nigerian soul and spirit.”

He affirmed that “remarkable reforms (are) taking shape at a pace never before seen. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is doing the needful; a committed, courageous and visionary leader dismantling stubborn clogs in the wheel of our national progress. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda and its eight priority areas, President Tinubu is laying the building blocks for a national renewal anchored on prosperity, peace and unity.”

He said the theme is “a direct and heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our friends and partners around the world to show understanding and to commit to supporting these landmark reforms.”

He summed up the economic feedback. “Our trade surplus continues to grow, with an increasing share of contributions from the non-oil sector, declining inflation, a strengthening currency, falling food prices, growing external reserves – all of these are more eloquent testament that we are on the right track.”

He confirmed that the government will start the implementation of the new tax law in 2026. “From January 2026, we will commence implementation of the Tax Acts quartet, which will expand our nation’s revenue base while simultaneously simplifying tax collection and lessening the burden on our people. These new tax laws represent a huge leap forward for the Nigerian economy and for business, entrepreneurship and investment.

“With more revenue at its disposal, on account of the reforms, the Tinubu administration is investing heavily in the key components that will catalyse our collective growth and development: health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, energy security, regional and grassroot development, small business, youth, and national security.”

The bulk of the questions by journalists centred on Tinubu administration’s discriminatory governance and appointments, which are contrary to the verbal claims of “equity and fairness” by government and undermine Nigeria’s diversity.  

Idris had denied lopsided appointments and projects. “Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office. The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is taking a back seat.”

He called on Nigerians to face forward with confidence. “As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us steadfastly hold on to hope, unity, and patriotism. Let us never lose sight of the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan – it is a reality that is already touching lives and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”

The Presidential broadcast in the morning of October 1st will climax the celebration.