As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of self-rule are not limited to political sovereignty but reflected in tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement issued to commemorate the anniversary, the group stressed that independence celebrations must go beyond parades and speeches to become a period of sober reflection on the country’s progress, persistent challenges, and the urgent need for people-centred policies.

CAPPA noted that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has introduced reforms that have won praise locally and internationally, the true measure of success lies in their impact on households struggling with rising costs and insecurity.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, lamented that many of the government’s policies, though applauded in theory, have left citizens battling worsening conditions. “Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,” he said.

He emphasised that independence was built on the promise of dignity and freedom, which should translate into affordable meals, safe housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, and secure livelihoods for every citizen.

The organisation highlighted food security as a pressing issue, pointing out that many families can barely afford three meals a day as food prices remain high. CAPPA urged the government to support local farmers with inputs, storage facilities, and access to markets, while also addressing insecurity in agricultural regions.

At the same time, the group warned that poor diets dominated by ultra-processed and sugary foods were fuelling health crises such as obesity and diabetes. It reiterated its call for stronger healthy food policies, including an increase in the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clearer food labelling, and salt reduction targets.

On the economy, CAPPA cautioned against excessive borrowing to finance recurrent expenditure, warning that such practices deepen hardship without creating productive growth. It called on government to cut frivolous spending, plug leakages, and channel resources into sectors that directly improve citizens’ lives.

Security also featured prominently in the group’s concerns. CAPPA argued that independence is meaningless if citizens live under the constant threat of violence, kidnappings, and displacement. It urged investment in community policing, modern security infrastructure, and long-term strategies to tackle the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and inequality.

The organisation further identified education as central to national development, criticising the rising cost of school fees and underfunding of public institutions. It called for increased budgetary allocations, better incentives for teachers, and improved facilities to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

Corruption, CAPPA said, remains a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress. It called for stronger accountability mechanisms to guarantee that public funds are used in the interest of the people. “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 organisation noted.

While urging government to renew its commitment to welfare at the grassroots, CAPPA also called on citizens to take responsibility by holding leaders accountable and participating actively in civic life. The group insisted that the spirit of independence rests not only on what the government delivers but also on how Nigerians collectively build a better, fairer society.