By JKNewsMedia
MARKING NIGERIA’s 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has called on the federal government to ensure that the gains of self-rule are reflected in policies that reduce poverty, hunger, and insecurity.
In a statement signed by Robert Egbe, Media and Communication Officer, CAPPA, the organisation stressed that the Independence Day celebration should go beyond parades and speeches, serving instead as a moment of sober reflection on the country’s journey, persisting challenges, and the steps required to guarantee true freedom for every Nigerian.
The organisation emphasised that independence must not be defined by political sovereignty alone, but by the social and economic well-being of citizens.
While acknowledging reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, CAPPA maintained that recovery programmes must be measured by their impact on households rather than by official projections.
According to CAPPA, hardship continues to overshadow gains, with rising costs of food, housing, electricity, and health care remaining out of reach for many families.
Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi stated that the hope tied to independence was that freedom would guarantee dignity and empower citizens as masters of their own destiny.
“Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,” he said.
He observed that while Nigerians are often told that the economy is on the path of transformation, the gap between official claims and daily reality remains wide.
Oluwafemi added that the poor cannot spend “economic recovery” in the market, stressing that policy must be tested by its ability to improve lives at the grassroots.
He noted that the promise of independence would only be fulfilled when citizens can afford decent meals, live in safe housing within their means, access health care and public water services, and send children to school without fear of exorbitant fees.
He urged the government to focus on closing existing gaps through people-centred policies.
The group listed food security as a priority, observing that with inflation rising, many households cannot afford three meals a day.
CAPPA urged government investment in local food production by providing farmers with inputs, storage facilities, and access to markets.
It said Nigeria’s fertile land and abundant labour are underutilised due to poor infrastructure and insecurity in food-producing regions.
Strengthening agriculture, the group argued, would reduce import dependence, lower prices, and make food more affordable.
The statement further explained that food security must also consider quality and nutrition.
CAPPA observed that ultra-processed and sugary products are increasingly dominating diets, fuelling obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.
It renewed calls for stronger food policies, including an increase in the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clear front-of-pack labelling for food products, and salt reduction targets, to ensure that Nigerians have access to healthier diets.
On the economy, CAPPA warned against excessive borrowing, particularly when loans are directed to recurrent expenditure rather than productive investments.
It urged government to reduce frivolous spending, close leakages, and prioritise transparent use of public funds to strengthen the economy and improve citizens’ welfare.
Security was identified as another major concern. CAPPA stated that independence holds little meaning if citizens live in fear of violence, kidnapping, or displacement.
It encouraged the government to invest in community policing, modern security infrastructure, and measures that tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which it identified as root causes of insecurity.
The organisation also highlighted education as a key area requiring urgent attention.
It noted that rising school fees, underfunded universities, and inadequate facilities continue to deny children and young people access to learning.
Also, CAPPA urged increased budgetary allocation to education, improved incentives for teachers, and better equipping of schools at all levels.
On corruption, CAPPA described it as one of the greatest obstacles to national development.
The group called for stronger accountability mechanisms to prevent waste and diversion of resources.
“Public office must be treated as a trust. Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,” the statement read.
CAPPA urged the Tinubu administration to use the 65th anniversary as an opportunity to renew its commitment to grassroots welfare.
It also encouraged citizens to hold leaders accountable and participate actively in civic life, noting that the spirit of independence lies not only in government action but also in collective responsibility.
