The National Chairperson, Labour Party, LP, Caretaker Committee, Senator Nanedi Usman, has said Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary calls for sober reflections because failure of governance and rampant corruption have remained stumbling blocks to the nation’s progress.

She said this in a message to Nigerians, on Tuesday.

According to her, Nigeria’s 64th year of independence was a moment that calls for reflection, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.

She said, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of our nation’s journey towards development and self-governance. Yet, alongside the celebrations, we must face the stark realities confronting us.

“Nigeria has been richly endowed with natural, human, and material resources, yet our progress has been hindered by years of stagnation and setbacks.

“The statistics paint a troubling picture: nearly half of our population lives below the poverty line, and over 20 million children are currently out of school.

“Corruption continues to cripple our economy, and the integrity of our politics and elections raise significant concern.

“Despite some economic growth, poverty remains widespread and inequality persists. The transformation of our economy has not yielded the productivity gains we hoped for.

“Governance failures and rampant corruption remain serious obstacles, as Nigeria continues to rank poorly on indices measuring corruption and the rule of law.

“To reverse this decline and chart a course for a brighter future, we must commit to decisive action. This includes: Bold Reforms.

“We need policies that promote macroeconomic stability, stimulate private sector growth, and expand social safety nets for the most vulnerable.

“Inclusive Governance: We must foster unity across tribal and religious lines to build a New and Productive Nigeria, one that prioritizes the collective well-being of all its citizens.

“A Citizen-Centric Approach: Our focus must shift to improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as ensuring free and fair elections.

“As we commemorate this independence anniversary, let us pledge to take meaningful steps toward a better future for Nigeria. This is a time for collective action, courageous leadership, and a shared commitment to progress.

“Together, we can build a nation that thrives and fulfils its true potential.”