Nigeria @65: Our Lives Not Better Than 2023 – Nigerians Lament Worsening Hardship, Insecurity
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 01, citizens have lamented the worsening economic hardship and insecurity ravaging the country.
Nigerians who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER decried the state of things in the country, noting that things are more worse now than during the last administration.
They noted that despite the promises made during the build-up to the 2023 general election by the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu, the country has nothing to celebrate, adding that the present administration has turned the heat of ‘hardship’ on the masses.
OSUN DEFENDER had reported how President Tinubu’s economic reforms were bringing more ‘hardship’ to Nigerians despite the promise that they were introduced to stabilise public finances and attract investment.
Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, announced the removal of fuel subsidy in his inaugural address. Apart from this, the present administration has also floated the naira, increased electricity tariffs, import duties and imposed new financial levies.
The removal of fuel subsidy by Tinubu, which led to about a 360% increase in petrol price, which was sold at ₦185 per litre before the present administration, immediately resulted in a rise in the cost of living.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that an increase in fuel prices also triggered a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services across the economy, as essential food items such as rice, which costs ₦35,000 per 50kg bag in April 2023, now sells for over ₦80,000.
While Nigerians were grappling with the high cost of living, insecurity under the present administration has been another major source of concern. Kidnapping and killings have become the order of the day, particularly in the Northern part of the country.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that not less than 17,000 people have lost their lives to insecurity in Nigeria since President Tinubu took office.
According to data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a total of 18,079 persons were killed and 8,043 people abducted between May 29, 2023 and May 2, 2025.
In addition, Nigerians now face daily attacks from armed groups and bandits, with the government failing to protect the lives and property of citizens.
According to the data, Benue State tops the list of people killed, with over 6,000, while over 4,000 have been killed in Borno.
Also, those killed in Zamfara and Katsina within that period are over 4,000 people.
Some of the killings in Benue State included the Yelewata Massacre, where over 200 people, including internally displaced persons, women, and children, were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The same scenario is playing out in Zamfara state, where residents are living in fear of attack. On August 23, 2025, bandits killed over 60 people in five communities in Bukkuyum and Anka local government areas, including Kurfa Danya, Kurfa Magaji, Rafin Gero, Tungar Isa, and Barayar Zaki.
In Katsina recently, bandits attacked worshippers at Unguwar Mantau community mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, resulting in over 30 confirmed dead.
In Kwara State, bandits have taken over some villages in the Northern and Southern Districts of the state. Over 70 people were reported to have been killed in the last 12 months, with many kidnapped.
Speaking on the situation of things ahead of the 65th Independence Day, a public affairs analyst, Diran Aborisade, decried how things have become worse under the present administration.
Aborisade, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, noted that despite all the reforms initiated by President Tinubu, the masses have become poorer and disinterested in the present administration.
His words: “Unfortunately, we are where we are today as a nation. 65 years of independence and nothing seems to be working for us. Our President has initiated a series of radical economic reforms, yet the lives of the masses are not better.
“Since President Tinubu assumed office, he has made policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and new tax reform, but what is the outcome of all these?
“The primary roles of economic policies are to promote economic growth, ensure price stability, maintain full employment, redistribute income and wealth, improve the balance of payments, and ensure sustainable development.
“However, for many Nigerians, these reforms have resulted in unprecedented hardship, escalating poverty, skyrocketing prices of food, and rising unemployment. People are now getting disinterested in this government.”
A resident of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Abdullahi Yusuf, lamented the insecurity in the state and other parts of the nation.
Yusuf said things are more difficult than they were during the last administration, despite the promise of renewed hope and the continued borrowing by President Tinubu.
He said, “We keep borrowing as a nation but where is the impact on our lives. Nigerians are being killed like rats, everybody but our president prefers to travel abroad rather than stay home and face the security issues.
“I voted for this government and I want President Tinubu to succeed more after two years in office. I’m beginning to have doubts about what we were told about the president. It seems he was not prepared for the job. He keeps promising renewed hope while Nigerians are losing hope daily. This administration should find a solution. Nigerians are suffering.”
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
