A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, has said that Nigeria’s failure to achieve broad-based prosperity 65 years after independence is not due to lack of resources but weak institutions, policy inconsistency, and poor governance.
Isiaka, who representsYewa-North/ Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, stated this in Abeokuta while delivering the Independence Lecture at a Special 65th Independence Anniversary Business meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State chapter, themed “Lessons from 65 Years of Nationhood and Pathways Forward.”
Tracing Nigeria’s economic journey since independence in 1960, Isiaka said despite vast human and natural resources, the country has remained trapped in what development economists call a “low-level equilibrium,” where growth spurts are undermined by poor implementation, corruption, and abrupt policy changes.
According to him, countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea that shared similar economic standing with Nigeria at independence have far outpaced it in industrialization, income levels, and human development.
“Nigeria’s challenge is not about resource scarcity. It is about the discipline to implement policies consistently across administrations, the strength of our institutions, and the political will to prioritize national interest over personal gain,” Isiaka said.
The lawmaker reviewed past development plans—from the First National Development Plan of 1962 to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda—and argued that while each contained laudable intentions, lack of continuity and weak accountability mechanisms rendered most ineffective.
He warned that economic reforms such as subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, though necessary, would fail if not balanced with strong social protection measures for vulnerable Nigerians.
On the way forward, Isiaka recommended statutory backing for long-term national plans, stronger anti-corruption institutions, investment in human capital, and aggressive diversification into manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology.
He added that Nigeria must learn from its history of failed mega-projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, stressing that future anchor projects must have transparent procurement, phased implementation, and independent monitoring.
“The question is no longer whether Nigeria can develop. We have the resources, the talent, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
“The real question is whether we will develop—whether we will summon the political will and institutional discipline to deliver the promise of independence,” Isiaka declared.
The lawmaker urged citizens and leaders to rededicate themselves to the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers, insisting that the next 65 years must not be another cycle of squandered opportunities but a story of fulfilled national promise.
Earlier in her welcome speech, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, charged public relations professionals to deploy their expertise in reshaping Nigeria’s image and fostering unity as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary.
Boye said the theme, “Nigeria at 65: Pathways for National Development and Economic Sustainability,” was a call to duty for every sector, stressing that “no citizen or profession can afford to stand aside.”
She urged practitioners to uphold integrity, tell authentic stories, and leverage Nigeria’s global cultural influence in film, music, food, and fashion to rebrand the nation.
“Nigeria’s greatness lies in the commitment of its people. Enough of the bad news; it is time to change the narrative and let Nigeria happen to us in positive ways,” Boye said.
The event, which she described as a special independence edition, featured Hon. Isiaka, as guest speaker.
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