Presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has urged Nigerians to reject the notion that the country must remain a “third-class” nation, arguing that Nigeria’s future depends on its citizens taking greater ownership of the country’s development.
Hashim made the call in an Independence Day message released in Abuja ahead of Nigeria’s 66th anniversary.
He argued that Nigeria’s prolonged underdevelopment was not primarily a consequence of a lack of resources but of the failure to effectively deploy the country’s human, natural and institutional capacity.
Poverty, Insecurity and Weak Institutions
Hashim identified poverty, human trafficking, insecurity, institutional weaknesses and the decline of the civil service among the challenges limiting Nigeria’s development.
He also called attention to weaknesses in security infrastructure and public institutions.
According to Hashim, Nigeria possesses significant resources and a large young population but needs stronger institutions and deliberate policies to convert those advantages into sustainable economic growth.
Youth Population as Economic Asset
The Accord candidate said Nigeria’s young population should be transformed from a potential development challenge into an economic advantage.
He advocated greater investment in technical education, professional skills and productive employment to enable young Nigerians to participate more effectively in the economy.
Hashim also called for stronger Nigerian participation in regional trade, describing West Africa as an important economic space for the country.
He argued that Nigerian manufacturers, farmers, energy companies, financial institutions and technology firms should be positioned to serve a larger integrated West African market.
Call for Institutional Reform
Hashim said ambitious economic targets would require reforms within the Nigerian state itself.
He argued that public institutions must become more competent and accountable if the country is to achieve sustained economic transformation.
His Independence Day message linked political independence with what he described as the need for greater economic and institutional independence.
The presidential candidate also framed the 2027 election as an opportunity for Nigerians to determine the direction they want the country to take.
His comments represent his political assessment and proposed direction ahead of the 2027 election.