Nigeria At 66: ‘We’re Becoming A Nation Buried In Debt And Empty Stomachs’— CACOL Blasts Govt In Blistering Independence Day Manifesto

LAGOS, NIGERIA — On a day meant for national celebration, a leading anti-corruption watchdog has issued a sobering reality check to the political elite, warning that Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary is being overshadowed by severe economic hardship, rampant corruption, and a devastating exodus of its brightest talents.

In a sharply worded independence anniversary press release, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) declared that independence must not be measured merely by the absence of British colonial rule, but by the freedom, dignity, and standard of living enjoyed by ordinary citizens.

Signed by CACOL Chairman Comrade Debo Adeniran, the statement painted a grim picture of a nation sharply divided between a wealthy political class and millions of citizens struggling to survive.

A Nation Drifting into Extreme Poverty and Debt

“Six and a half decades after independence, millions of Nigerians continue to contend with abject poverty, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and skyrocketing food prices,” Adeniran stated. He expressed deep alarm over the country’s widening wealth gap, stressing that sustainable development is impossible when a tiny minority enjoys vast privileges while the majority cannot afford basic necessities.

CACOL laid the blame squarely on systemic corruption and economic mismanagement. The group argued that critical funds meant for roads, schools, and hospitals are continuously lost to inflated contracts and weak accountability.

Furthermore, the organization sounded the alarm on the country’s rising debt profile, warning the federal government against “burying future generations under a mountain of loans” that fail to yield productive economic returns or improve the lives of the people.

The ‘Japa’ Crisis Bleeding the Nation

The manifesto also addressed the ongoing brain drain crisis, noting that the harsh domestic environment has forced doctors, engineers, tech experts, and educators to flee the country in search of “greener pastures” abroad.

“Sustained emigration of skilled Nigerians is creating massive capacity gaps at home,” the statement warned, calling on the government to urgently build an environment where merit is rewarded and local talent can thrive.

A 12-Point Blueprint for Survival

Refusing to offer just criticism, CACOL presented a comprehensive 12-point emergency roadmap demanding immediate government intervention. Key demands include:

Crashing Food Prices: Supporting farmers with affordable inputs and fixing broken agricultural supply chains.

Fiscal Responsibility: Restricting public borrowing strictly to transparent, high-return projects.

Welfare & Safety Nets: Expanding affordable healthcare, primary insurance, and mass housing mortgages for low-income earners.

Grassroots Empowerment: Autonomy for local governments to ensure development actually reaches ordinary communities.

‘Do Not Lose Hope’

Despite the fierce critique, CACOL concluded with a rallying cry to the Nigerian populace, urging them not to abandon the “Nigerian project.”

“The struggle for independence was a struggle for dignity and a better future,” Adeniran reminded citizens. “We must continue to demand accountability and play our individual roles in rebuilding this nation. Public office must be regarded as a heavy responsibility to serve, not an avenue for personal enrichment.”