64 years and a pile of rubble – where is the hope? – News AG

Nigeria recently celebrated its 64th Independence Day amid ongoing socio-economic challenges, prompting discussions on governance and development. The stark reality was highlighted in a recent article by The Punch, which stated that between 2015 and May 2023, over 63,000 citizens were lost to violence, including terrorism and banditry, with no increase under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu significant improvements came. Infrastructure remains a persistent problem, with some 56,000 projects still unfinished and power generation capacity lagging far behind that of its continental rivals. Compared to South Africa and Egypt, each with 58,000 megawatts, they find it difficult to produce just 5,000 megawatts. The World Bank notes that 45% of Nigerians still do not have access to the electricity grid.

Economically, Nigeria is under pressure from fluctuating oil prices and increasing poverty. In 2023, an estimated 133 million people will live in multidimensional poverty. The measures implemented by Tinubu’s government to stabilize the economy have reportedly left 7 million citizens living on the poverty line. Raise concerns about food security and access to education and healthcare. The precarious state of governance fuels the debate about the need for true federalism to strengthen local units and enable sustainable development without continuing to rely on ineffective leadership. Further insights into these pressing issues were published in a recent analysis on saharareporters.com.