By joshua 
DEPENDENT OR INDEPENDENT: WHAT EXACTLY IS NIGERIA CELEBRATING AT 65?
By _Hon. Barr. Prince A. A. Oziandu_
*Political Activist & Human Rights Advocate*
As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary, I find myself asking a very crucial question: Is Nigeria truly independent, or are we merely celebrating a partial freedom?
Without bias to myself or to fellow Nigerians, I struggle to see what we should genuinely be celebrating. Each year, I hear people say “Happy Independence Day,” but when I look around, I find it difficult to identify the substance of that independence. No one has convincingly explained to me how Nigeria truly qualifies to be counted among fully independent nations.
To my understanding, full independence should encompass territorial, economic, and political independence. While Nigeria enjoys territorial independence—having the right to govern its land without colonial control—we still remain politically and economically dependent on foreign powers and external influences.
*WHAT FULL INDEPENDENCE MEANS*
A truly independent nation controls:
1. Its Economy – It manages its resources, industries, and trade policies without unnecessary foreign dominance.
2. Its Politics – It makes decisions free from external interference, charting a unique course for its people.
3. Its Territory – It protects and governs its land without compromise.
When compared with Nigeria, we see a sharp contrast. Nigeria, despite its vast natural resources, still imports refined petroleum, relies heavily on foreign loans, and allows external interests to dictate much of its economic direction.
*CRITICAL SECTORS THAT REFLECT DEPENDENCE*
Oil Sector: Nigeria exports crude oil but imports refined products, a shameful dependency that weakens our economy.
Ajaokuta Steel Company: Left moribund for decades, this project could have revolutionized our industrial base and given Nigeria true economic power.
Itakpe Iron Ore: Still underutilized, despite its potential to drive local manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
*THE WAY FORWARD*
For Nigeria to be truly independent, our leaders—both political and economic—must take bold steps:
Revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and fully harness the Itakpe Iron Ore deposits.
Invest in local refineries to end the shame of fuel importation.
Pursue economic reforms that prioritize self-sufficiency, innovation, and industrialization.
Protect political institutions from foreign manipulation to ensure sovereignty in decision-making.
Until these steps are taken, we cannot confidently say Nigeria is independent. At best, we are a nation celebrating territorial freedom while trapped in political and economic dependence.
As we mark this 65th anniversary, I will say Happy Independence Day to Nigeria—yet in anticipation of the day when our independence will be truly complete.
– _Hon. Barr. Prince A A Oziandu_
*Political Activist and Human Rights Advocate*