65th Independence: Nigeria Celebrates Amid Rising Violence, Economic Turmoil, and Scarcity of Fuel
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Day today, Wednesday, the nation continues to grieve in the shadow of fuel scarcity, mass killings, and an economy gasping for breath.
Across major cities, long queues returned to petrol stations as the government failed to sort out the issue between PENGASSAN and Dangote.
In the same week of the anniversary, reports of massacres in rural communities deepened the sense of insecurity that has become Nigeria’s hallmark.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) warned of a looming strike, saying the government had abandoned education in favour of empty rhetoric.
Labour unions also issued threats over rising fuel prices and stagnant wages, insisting that Bola Tinubu’s so-called reforms were worsening the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
Economists noted that the naira had slipped into its weakest position in decades, ranking among Africa’s most battered currencies.
Analysts argue that the government’s removal of fuel subsidies and its handling of foreign exchange policy had pushed millions deeper into poverty.
Despite the grim reality, Tinubu described his economic policies as “giant strides”, a claim many Nigerians dismissed as disconnected from their suffering.
For families of victims of recent bandit attacks and kidnappings, Independence Day is not a celebration but a day of mourning.
Observers noted that Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, instead of uniting the nation, underscored a crisis of leadership, accountability, and vision.
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Ademola Busayo 