As Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence Day, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has issued a pressing call to the Federal Government to implement urgent economic measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, particularly in light of the escalating hunger crisis.
In their Independence Day message, titled “Nigeria@64: Walking on Tightrope,” the group emphasized the need for President Bola Tinubu to confront the critical issues of insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure, and the alarming number of out-of-school children. Dr. Joseph Oteri, the Capn of NAS, warned that the deteriorating economic conditions could lead to widespread social unrest if not adequately addressed.
Oteri highlighted that the government’s approach of arresting protesters and charging them with terrorism is not a viable solution to the nation’s challenges. He noted that the atmosphere surrounding Independence Day celebrations has grown increasingly muted, reflecting a growing indifference among Nigerians as unfulfilled promises of progress contribute to disillusionment.
The statement from NAS underscored the stark reality that 133 million Nigerians, accounting for over 60% of the population, live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing. Oteri pointed out that this situation illustrates the failure of economic policies to protect the most vulnerable segments of society.
He also criticized the rising inflation rates, which reached a peak of 33.40% in July 2024 before slightly easing to 32.15% in August. The soaring food inflation, recorded at 40.9% in June 2024, has been attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies, increased transportation costs, currency depreciation, and disruptions in food production caused by insecurity and climate change.
Furthermore, Oteri addressed the urgent need for healthcare reforms, stressing that Nigeria ranks poorly on global health indices, and the quality of the healthcare system fails to meet basic standards. He called for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and professional training to ensure a healthy population, which is essential for the nation’s development.
As Nigeria reflects on its journey over the past 64 years, the National Association of Seadogs urges immediate and decisive action to address these pressing challenges, emphasizing that the country’s future depends on effective governance and commitment to the well-being of its citizens.