As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence and 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy, the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) joins millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in reflecting on the country’s journey, honouring the sacrifices of its founding fathers and renewing our collective commitment to building a nation where freedom, justice, accountability and equal opportunity are realities for all.

The struggle for independence was driven by the desire of a people to determine their destiny, govern themselves and build a society founded on dignity, justice and shared prosperity. Sixty-six years later, however, our celebration must go beyond ceremonial speeches, patriotic displays and reflections on history. We must confront a more fundamental question: What does independence mean to the ordinary Nigerian struggling to feed a family, secure decent employment, access quality healthcare, move safely from one community to another and live with dignity?

For us at NGIJ, celebrating Nigeria must never mean pretending that Nigerians are not hurting. Across the country, households continue to grapple with the rising costs of food, transportation, housing, energy and other essentials. Although recent economic indicators point to some moderation in headline inflation, the reality for many families remains difficult, with food prices and the general cost of living continuing to exert pressure on household incomes.

These realities deserve honest acknowledgement, responsive leadership and practical solutions. Economic reforms must ultimately translate into improved living conditions, expanded opportunities, productive enterprises and measurable relief for ordinary citizens. We acknowledge progress where it is measurable, but we must never confuse reform with the final destination. The true test of economic recovery is not merely what the figures indicate, but how significantly it improves the lives of Nigerians.

Equally important is the question of national security. Kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence, oil theft and other forms of criminality continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and the stability of communities. While recognising the efforts and operational successes of our security agencies, we believe that sustained vigilance, stronger institutions, intelligence-driven operations and effective community engagement remain essential to addressing these challenges.

Every Nigerian deserves the freedom to live, work, farm, travel, worship and pursue legitimate aspirations without fear. Security is not a privilege to be enjoyed by a few; it is a fundamental responsibility of the state and an essential condition for national development.

Beyond political independence, Nigeria must pursue institutional independence from impunity, corruption, institutional failure and the culture of silence. Independence must be matched by transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law and responsible management of public resources.

Public office is a trust, not a personal entitlement. Those entrusted with public responsibilities must remain answerable to the people, while public institutions must operate with integrity, efficiency and respect for citizens’ rights. Accountability should not be mistaken for hostility, just as constructive criticism should not be treated as an attack on government. Rather, both are essential ingredients of democratic governance.

This is where the responsibility of investigative journalism becomes particularly important. As an organisation committed to investigative and public-interest journalism, NGIJ recognises that the media must remain a credible watchdog of society.

Investigative journalists are not enemies of government. They are partners in the pursuit of transparency, good governance and national development. Governments deserve recognition when they deliver measurable results, but they must equally be prepared to answer difficult questions when public interest is affected.

We believe that a society that welcomes scrutiny strengthens its institutions, while one that suppresses questions weakens public confidence. Our responsibility is to follow the evidence, uncover facts, expose wrongdoing, amplify the voices of the underserved and ensure that issues affecting citizens are brought to public attention. We shall continue to discharge this responsibility without fear, favour or political allegiance.

However, the responsibility for strengthening journalism does not rest with government alone. Journalists must also hold themselves to the highest standards of professional conduct. The urgency of public-interest reporting must never become an excuse for carelessness, misinformation or sensationalism.

We therefore urge media practitioners to verify before publishing, investigate before accusing, distinguish established facts from allegations, protect confidential sources and resist political manipulation. The profession must increasingly embrace data, technology and innovative investigative methods while remaining conscious of national security and the potential consequences of irresponsible reporting.

National security considerations must not become a blanket justification for suppressing legitimate journalism, just as press freedom must not be used to justify the publication of unverified or harmful information. Professional independence demands both courage and responsibility.

We are equally concerned about the place of young Nigerians in the country’s development. A nation cannot fully realise its potential when millions of its young people feel excluded from economic opportunities, meaningful participation and leadership.

Our young people must be seen beyond their value as voters, campaign mobilisers or instruments of political calculations. They are innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives and potential leaders whose contributions are indispensable to national progress.

We call for sustained investment in education, vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurship, technology, creative industries, productive employment and leadership development. Nigeria must create an environment where talent is rewarded, enterprise is encouraged and young people can build sustainable futures without having to abandon their dreams or leave the country in search of opportunities.

We must also make national unity practical rather than rhetorical. Nigeria’s strength lies in the diversity of its peoples, cultures, languages, faiths and experiences. That diversity must become an asset for development, not an instrument for division.

We urge political, religious, traditional and community leaders, as well as citizens across the country, to promote mutual respect, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and a shared sense of responsibility. Our differences should enrich our national identity rather than undermine our collective aspirations.

As we reflect on the country’s journey, we recognise that nation-building is an ongoing process. It requires honest assessments of our challenges, recognition of genuine achievements, willingness to correct failures and the courage to pursue necessary reforms. No administration or institution has a monopoly on national progress, and no citizen should be excluded from the responsibility of building a better Nigeria.

As the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists begins another chapter under its current leadership, we reaffirm our commitment to building an institution that is professionally strong, ethically grounded, independent and relevant to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental aspirations.

Under the collective leadership of the National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and the National Secretary, Rowland Shuwa, NGIJ will continue to strengthen investigative journalism, promote professional excellence, defend the public interest and contribute meaningfully to national conversations through credible, evidence-based reporting.

Our leadership philosophy remains simple: Don’t Start Again. Build Forward.

This philosophy extends beyond the Guild. Nigeria, too, must build forward. We must build on our successes, learn from our experiences, correct our failures, confront our challenges and strengthen the institutions required to secure a more prosperous and equitable future.

As we celebrate 66 years of independence, we call on every Nigerian to remain hopeful, engaged and committed to the collective task of nation-building. We owe it to the sacrifices of our founding fathers, the aspirations of present generations and the dreams of those yet unborn to create a country where freedom is meaningful, justice is accessible, leadership is accountable and opportunity is not determined by privilege.

Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!

Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan
National President
Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)

Rowland Shuwa
National Secretary
Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)