The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has said Nigeria cannot claim true independence while citizens continue to live in fear.
The forum said insecurity has made it difficult for some Nigerians to travel freely, farm safely and protect their families. It made the comments as the country prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary.
NOSCEF Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, made the position known in an Independence Day statement. He said the anniversary should go beyond ceremonies and speeches to address the challenges facing Nigerians.
The forum identified insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and national divisions as major concerns. It also called for stronger efforts to improve living conditions across the country.
The concerns come amid wider discussions about Nigeria’s progress since independence. Nigeria at 66: Move Beyond Politics of Survival, NOSCEF Urges Leaders
NOSCEF Raises Concern Over Insecurity
NOSCEF said Nigerians cannot fully enjoy independence when insecurity restricts their movement and livelihoods.
The forum said citizens should be able to travel on Nigerian roads without fear. It also said farmers should have safe access to their farms, while displaced communities should be able to return home.
The elders identified banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal violence among the security challenges affecting parts of the country. They urged the government to make the protection of lives and property a major responsibility.
The forum also warned that insecurity affects economic activities and weakens confidence among citizens. It therefore called for stronger measures to protect communities and restore public confidence.
Security remains one of the major issues discussed by political stakeholders across Nigeria. Peter Obi Arrives Jos, Heads to Mangu to Visit Attack Victims
Elders Warn Against Ethnic and Religious Divisions
The Christian elders also expressed concern over divisions along ethnic, religious and regional lines.
According to NOSCEF, mutual suspicion and political mobilisation along sectional lines could weaken national cohesion. The forum urged Nigerians to see themselves as citizens with shared interests.
It said Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division. The group also called for deliberate efforts to rebuild trust among different communities.
The call comes as political activities continue to increase ahead of the 2027 general elections. 2027: Sowore Pledges ₦500,000 Wage, 24-Hour Electricity If Elected
NOSCEF urged political actors to avoid rhetoric that could deepen existing divisions. It said national development would require cooperation across ethnic, religious and regional interests.
The forum also called for greater attention to issues that affect Nigerians regardless of their background. These include security, employment, healthcare, education and economic opportunity.
NOSCEF Speaks on Economic Hardship
On the economy, NOSCEF acknowledged that some macroeconomic indicators had improved.
However, the forum said the real measure of economic progress should be its effect on ordinary households. It pointed to the cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, healthcare and electricity.
The elders called for stronger measures to protect poor and vulnerable Nigerians. They also urged the government to ensure that economic reforms translate into better living conditions.
The forum said economic policies should create opportunities for citizens to earn decent incomes. It also called for policies that can support businesses and productive economic activities.
Economic concerns have remained prominent in Nigeria’s political debate. NACCIMA Hails Mbah on Security, Backs Enugu’s $30bn Economic Ambition
Group Calls for More Jobs for Nigerian Youths
NOSCEF also raised concerns about unemployment among young Nigerians.
The forum said the country must create conditions that allow young people to build sustainable livelihoods at home. It warned that many young Nigerians increasingly look outside the country for better opportunities.
The elders called for greater investment in job creation, entrepreneurship and technical education. They also listed industrialisation and skills development as areas that require greater attention.
NOSCEF said youth development should remain central to Nigeria’s economic planning. It argued that young Nigerians need practical opportunities to contribute to national development.
The call comes amid wider discussions about employment and access to opportunities for Nigerian youths. FG Jobs Accessible Without Connections, FCC Commissioner Tells Enugu Youths
The forum also urged policymakers to strengthen programmes that can help young people acquire relevant skills. It said entrepreneurship and technical training could provide additional pathways into employment.
NOSCEF Demands More Investment in Healthcare
The elders also called for increased investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
They urged the government to improve hospitals, primary healthcare centres and access to medical personnel. The forum also mentioned medicines, equipment and health insurance as areas requiring attention.
NOSCEF said healthcare policies should produce services that ordinary Nigerians can access and afford. It particularly called for measures that protect poor and vulnerable citizens.
Healthcare remains an important part of the broader discussion about living standards in Nigeria. Enugu Has No Confirmed Diphtheria Case, Health Commissioner Says
The forum also linked national development to the quality of public services. It said government policies should ultimately translate into measurable improvements for citizens.
Elders Call for Better Education
Education was another major issue raised by NOSCEF in its Independence Anniversary message.
The forum called for stronger investment in education infrastructure and teaching personnel. It also urged government to improve access to learning materials and conducive learning environments.
According to the elders, poverty should not determine whether a Nigerian child receives quality education. They therefore called for policies that make education more accessible and affordable.
The group said education should remain a long-term national investment. It argued that improvements in the sector would help prepare young Nigerians for employment and economic participation.
Education has also featured prominently in discussions about human capital development in Nigeria. Peter Mbah Unveils 10,000 Achievements Across Enugu
NOSCEF Speaks on 2027 Elections
With the 2027 general elections approaching, NOSCEF urged political parties and candidates to focus on issues affecting Nigerians.
The forum listed security, jobs, education, healthcare, accountability and national unity among the issues it wants politicians to address. It also urged voters to examine the plans presented by political candidates.
NOSCEF warned against ethnic and religious mobilisation during election campaigns. It called on political actors to reject hate speech, intimidation and electoral violence.
The elders said elections should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to discuss the country’s future. They also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups and voters to encourage issue-based politics.
Political activities have already increased ahead of the 2027 elections. Princess Ugwu Begins 2027 Re-Election Campaign
The forum’s comments also come against the backdrop of growing political mobilisation across different parts of Nigeria. It urged stakeholders to ensure that political competition does not undermine national cohesion.
Group Calls for National Renewal
NOSCEF called for national renewal based on justice, equity, security and accountability.
The forum also identified responsible leadership and reconciliation as important elements of national development. It urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the challenges facing the country.
The elders said Nigeria’s independence should remind citizens that the country belongs to everyone. They called for a stronger sense of shared national identity.
The forum maintained that no ethnic group, religious community, region or political party owns Nigeria. It therefore urged citizens to work towards a country that serves all Nigerians.
The call for national unity comes as different groups continue to discuss Nigeria’s political and economic direction. Adebayo Urges Nigerian Youths to Take Politics Beyond Social Media
Nigeria at 66: NOSCEF Urges Nigerians Not to Lose Hope
As Nigeria approaches its 66th Independence Anniversary, NOSCEF urged citizens not to lose hope in the country.
The forum said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for sober reflection on Nigeria’s achievements and challenges. It also called for renewed commitment to building institutions that serve citizens effectively.
NOSCEF said national progress would require cooperation between leaders and citizens. It further urged Nigerians to promote peace, accountability and responsible leadership.
The forum’s message also focused on the need to improve the everyday experiences of Nigerians. It said independence should ultimately translate into security, opportunity and access to basic services.
The call comes as other groups and political stakeholders continue to discuss Nigeria’s development challenges. Tinubu Says Nigerians Will See Lower Transport Fares From October 1
NOSCEF said the country could make progress if leaders and citizens worked towards shared national goals. It urged Nigerians to remain committed to peaceful coexistence despite political, religious and ethnic differences.
The elders concluded by calling for a renewed Nigeria that works for all citizens. They said the 66th Independence Anniversary should be an opportunity to reflect on the country’s future rather than focus only on celebrations.
The forum’s position adds to the wider national conversation surrounding security, economic hardship, youth unemployment and political unity. SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu
NOSCEF urged Nigerians to continue supporting efforts that promote peace and national development. It also called for leadership that places the public interest above sectional considerations.
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The forum said Nigeria’s future depends on the ability of its citizens and institutions to work together. It called for a renewed commitment to justice, security, accountability and national reconciliation.
