‘Despite mismanagement, Nigeria’s potential for greatness remains’ – Obi’s Independence Day message to Nigerians

‘Despite mismanagement, Nigeria’s potential for greatness remains’ – Obi’s Independence Day message to Nigerians

A Great Nigeria is Still Possible

Statement by Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, on the Occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, 1 October 2025

Fellow Nigerians,

Today should be a day of joy and remembrance, a day to celebrate the struggles of our heroes who fought to free Nigeria from colonial rule. It should be a day for gratitude to Almighty God for His blessings on our nation.

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained independence to global acclaim as an emerging African economic and political power. Such was our potential that Time Magazine predicted the rise of a true African superpower that would lead the continent with pride. Our founding fathers fought for independence with confidence, passion, and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria that would stand alongside the world’s most advanced nations.

Unfortunately, tragic failures of leadership derailed this vision. Yet despite these setbacks, Nigeria has always shown resilience. In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, beginning a renewed journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice. That journey helped us build Africa’s largest economy and strengthen democratic institutions.

By the end of 2007, our total debt was about N2.5 trillion, only 10 percent of GDP, after President Obasanjo’s government secured debt forgiveness of over 30 billion dollars. By 2014, Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy and was primed to achieve middle-income status. In 2015, for the first time, a ruling party was defeated in a presidential election, marking another milestone for our democracy.

Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors. Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as “undemocratic.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians pay more for everything and receive less. Passports, permits, electricity, petrol, food, rent, and healthcare all cost more. Yet power supply remains unreliable, food insecurity deepens, and UNICEF and WFP project that 33 million Nigerians will face acute hunger in 2025.

Despite this mismanagement, Nigeria’s potential for greatness remains. We cannot give up on the dream of a prosperous and secure nation. What we need is competent, compassionate, and committed leadership.

I call on political leaders to reflect on the crises confronting our nation and recognise this as a moment to transcend personal interests. We must embrace a new Nigeria where leadership is defined by competence, compassion, and commitment.

Despite today’s challenges, the future remains bright. Happy Independence Day to all Nigerians.

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