Nigerians voice frustration as Nigeria marks 66th Independence
On October 1, 2026, Nigeria celebrated its 66th Independence anniversary. Nigerians across the country expressed frustration and despair over ongoing economic hardship, insecurity, and leadership failures, according to interviews with DAILY POST.
Retired civil servant James Adamu lamented decline from early post-independence fairness, citing rising tribalism and favouritism. PDP chieftain Suleiman Buhari warned of absent leadership, linking it to insecurity and kidnapping for profit. APC chieftain Adamu Maiyaki said citizens blame each other, urging sincerity to foster belonging. Lecturer Timothy Saleh noted fuel subsidy removal and promised revenue gains have not improved welfare, while officials grow richer and farmers face extortion by bandits.
Many highlighted rising cost of living, transport fares, food prices, and questioned whether 66 years of independence warrant celebration without tangible progress. They called for collective resilience, improved leadership, stronger security intervention, and realistic appraisal of national challenges. The sentiment underscores widespread disillusionment as Nigeria marks another year of independence.