Ankio Briggs, a distinguished Nigerian advocate for environmental and human rights issues, recently shared her thoughts on Nigeria’s progress since gaining independence 65 years ago, expressing deep concern that the nation has not reached the potential it once promised.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP, Briggs highlighted that many countries which achieved independence around the same time as Nigeria have made significantly greater strides in development and governance.
She reflected, “Having lived through the pre-independence era, I have a clear memory of Nigeria before 1960. I was born prior to independence and can vividly recall my early school days during that period.”
“The Nigeria we see today falls short of the hopes and expectations we held as children. We genuinely believed that independence would usher in a better future compared to the colonial era. Unfortunately, that optimism has not materialized.”
Briggs further remarked, “Sometimes, it’s disheartening to consider that the colonial administration might have been more effective in governance than what we have experienced since independence.”
While acknowledging that Nigeria has not regressed to colonial times, she emphasized that the country has lagged behind other African nations that gained independence either before or after Nigeria.
“Countries like Ghana, which became independent earlier, and others such as Rwanda and Botswana, which followed Nigeria, have made remarkable progress. This comparison underscores my disappointment with Nigeria’s trajectory.”
She also noted Nigeria’s former reputation, saying, “Nigeria once proudly identified itself as the ‘Giant of Africa,’ admired by black communities worldwide, including African Americans and West Indians, who looked up to it as a beacon of strength and leadership on the continent.”
