Nigeria at 64: Between Hope and Hard Truths

|Published 9:40 AM ET, Wednesday 30, 2025|

By Dr. Michael Omoruyi | Contributor/Publisher, iNewsAfrica

A Nation Still in Search of Itself

Since gaining independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has walked a path defined by both bold ambition and persistent adversity. Now, 64 years on, the question arises: Has Africa’s most populous nation progressed or regressed? The answer lies not in simple binaries, but in a complex story of resilience, reinvention, and repeated stagnation.

The Case for Progress: What Has Changed

Democratic Maturity

Nigeria has experienced six military coups and several authoritarian regimes, but it has sustained democracy since 1999—an achievement many post-colonial nations still struggle to replicate. With regular elections, a somewhat functional judiciary, and an active civil society, the democratic project, though imperfect, endures.

Economic Growth and Diversification Efforts

Nigeria became Africa’s largest economy in 2014, driven by its oil wealth. Recent administrations have taken steps to diversify away from oil dependency, focusing on sectors such as fintech, agriculture, and creative industries. Lagos is now a leading African tech hub, attracting venture capital and spawning digital startups like Flutterwave and Paystack.

Cultural and Global Influence

From the global rise of Afrobeats to Nollywood’s worldwide footprint, Nigeria’s cultural power is undeniable. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have won Grammys and performed on the world’s biggest stages, reshaping how African identity is perceived globally.

The Case for Regression: What Holds Nigeria Back

Economic Hardship and Inequality

Despite being resource-rich, over 60% of Nigerians live on less than $2 a day. Inflation reached 33.2% in March 2025—its highest level in decades—driven by fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation. Youth unemployment remains above 40%. The government’s economic reforms, while necessary, have disproportionately hurt the poor without immediate safety nets.

Insecurity and State Fragility

Nigeria faces a multidimensional security crisis: Boko Haram in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, separatist agitations in the southeast, and farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt. Over 10,000 Nigerians were killed in violence-related incidents in 2023 alone, according to SBM Intelligence. The state often appears overwhelmed or absent.

Corruption and Institutional Decay

The “war on corruption” remains largely rhetorical. Nigeria dropped to 145th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index. Public trust in institutions is at an all-time low, undermining democratic legitimacy and citizen engagement.

A Paradox of Potential

Nigeria’s contradictions are stark. It has the largest Black population in the world, enormous natural resources, and a diaspora sending billions in remittances annually. Yet it struggles to provide basic services, from power and healthcare to justice and security.

This paradox—rich but poor, democratic but fragile, free but unsafe—defines the Nigerian condition.

The Road Ahead: Leadership, Accountability, Vision

Progress requires more than reforms; it demands a transformation of governance culture. The next decade must prioritize:

• Decentralization and true federalism to empower states and reduce Abuja’s over-centralization.

• Education and youth investment to harness the demographic dividend.

• Judicial and police reform to restore rule of law and security.

• Accountability not just at elections, but through independent institutions and civil society.

Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people—innovative, resilient, and deeply aspirational. But leadership must match the people’s potential with policy, competence, and courage.

The Time Is Now

At 64, Nigeria cannot afford to keep standing at the crossroads. The nation must choose: embrace the hard work of reform or continue the cycle of promise deferred. Progress is not inevitable—it must be earned.

The question isn’t just whether Nigeria is progressing or regressing. The real question is: will it rise to meet its destiny or continue to squander it?

About the Writer
Dr. Omoruyi is a political affairs columnist for iNewsAfrica, focused on governance, elections, and civic engagement across Africa.