This year marks Nigeria’s 63rd anniversary as a sovereign nation, yet the celebration will once again be a ‘low-key’ affair, much like the majority of the past 13 years. The theme for this year’s Independence Day Anniversary is ‘Nigeria @ 63: Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity’, but the event will be scaled down given the current economic challenges, as stated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on September 25.
The absence of world leaders at the ceremony organized by the Federal Government highlights the subdued nature of the event. Additionally, there will be no parade at the Eagle Square as in previous years. Instead, a military parade will be held on Monday, October 2, at the Presidential Villa.
In recent years, low-key celebrations have become the norm for Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Independence Day celebrations in the past were vibrant and exuberant, with school children, students, workers, and military formations participating in colorful parades at various levels of government. Families would go on outings, and concerts and public performances were staged. However, it seems that the significance of Independence Day is fading among Nigerians, particularly those under the age of 40.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, attributes this lack of understanding to a disconnect between many Nigerians and the essence of independence. He also points to the state of affairs in the country, where local exploiters and dishonest public officials have taken over from the colonialists. Consequently, the celebration of Independence Day no longer holds the same appeal.
A Brief History of Nigeria’s Independence Day Celebrations
Recent Independence Day celebrations have been toned down due to insecurity and economic challenges. In 2010, the country’s 50th Anniversary celebration was marred by car bombs near the venue, resulting in tragic deaths. Subsequent celebrations in 2011, 2012, and 2013 were low-key affairs due to security concerns, cost-cutting measures, and the desire to conserve resources following the lavish 50th-anniversary celebration.
President Goodluck Jonathan announced that a grand carnival would be held in 2014 to mark 100 years since the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. However, this celebration also underwent a low-key transformation. The trend continued in 2015, as the new government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, opted for a low-key celebration. The pattern persisted in 2016 and 2017 due to poor economic conditions and lack of funds.
The trend briefly shifted in 2018 when the independence anniversary returned to the Eagle Square with fanfare. However, the celebration reverted to low-key in 2019 and 2020 due to safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 celebration was also subdued, with concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant. The 2022 celebration marked President Buhari’s last year in office and was celebrated with fanfare, including colorful parades and cultural displays.
Despite the government’s stated reasons for the low-key celebrations, some Nigerians argue that there is nothing to celebrate. Willy Ezugwu, the Secretary-General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, points to problems such as unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructure decay that overshadow any cause for celebration. Rafsanjani adds that the lack of progress and achievements since independence has left Nigerians disillusioned. Dr. Agbo Major, factional acting National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, highlights the financial constraints that prevent many Nigerians from celebrating. Olu Omotayo, President of the Civil Right Realisation and Advancement Network, also supports the low-key approach, citing the struggling economy and rising insecurity as compelling reasons to prioritize essential needs over extravagant celebrations.
