A fresh message of hope has emerged as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, with the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) calling on Nigerians to protect the gains made so far while remaining alert to threats capable of slowing the nation’s development.
CHRCR, a non-governmental organisation based in Lokoja, Kogi State, delivered the message in a statement issued on Wednesday, ahead of Nigeria’s independence celebration on October 1, 2026.
Signed by its Executive Director, Mr Idris Miliki Abdul, the statement presented Nigeria’s 66-year journey as one marked by serious difficulties but also important achievements that deserve recognition.
While acknowledging that Nigeria is not yet where it should be after six decades of nation-building, the organisation said the fact that the country has remained united through numerous political, economic and security challenges is itself a significant reason for Nigerians to celebrate.
CHRCR pointed to democratic continuity as one of the areas where the country has recorded progress. Nigerians have continued to have opportunities to elect leaders and representatives at national and sub-national levels, while improvements have also been recorded in infrastructure and the expansion of educational institutions.
However, the organisation said these achievements must be protected and expanded through deliberate action.
It called for greater industrial development capable of generating employment for young Nigerians and urged governments to address insecurity, corruption, poverty, inflation, unemployment, economic deprivation and inadequate youth participation in governance.
On violent extremism, CHRCR argued that security challenges cannot be addressed through isolated interventions. It said political and economic conditions, including inequality, unemployment, poor governance, corruption and weak public institutions, can create environments in which extremist narratives gain influence.
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The organisation therefore urged the Federal, State and Local Governments to coordinate their security and peacebuilding efforts under one coherent framework, warning that disconnected interventions can result in duplicated efforts, conflicting policies and inefficient use of resources.
CHRCR specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, to urgently approve and publicly release the improved Preventing and Counter Terrorism Policy Document it said was validated within the past year.
Beyond security, the organisation placed human rights at the centre of Nigeria’s future, arguing that national safety and citizens’ welfare must progress together. It called on civil society, organised labour, government and citizens to ensure that constitutional rights become meaningful realities rather than mere promises.
The organisation also turned its attention to the 2027 general elections, urging political parties, candidates, supporters and voters to respect electoral rules and individual choices.
According to CHRCR, Nigeria cannot afford setbacks in its democratic journey at 66.
The anniversary message ultimately carries an optimistic note: Nigeria’s story is not defined only by its difficulties. Sixty-six years of national survival, democratic development, educational expansion, infrastructural progress and continued unity show that there are achievements to protect — and opportunities to build upon as Nigerians look toward the future.
