by Tunde Yusuf

The Lagos branch symposium, held right on the streets of Ajegunle, began with the powerful echo of solidarity songs that set the tone for the day’s proceedings. The vibrant atmosphere immediately drew the attention of passersby, many of whom paused to listen and later joined the gathering. What started as a modest assembly of activists and community members quickly transformed into a lively public forum.

The symposium critically evaluated over six decades of Nigeria’s independence and the two-year tenure of the Tinubu regime. The agenda, designed to encompass international, national, and local issues that have worsened the living conditions of the Nigerian masses, centred around the theme: “Nigeria @ 65: How Far So Far?”

Invited speakers included Comrade Emeka, Coordinator of the Ajegunle Peoples Movement; Prince Rilwan Ojora bro, President of the Landlord and Tenant Association; and Comrade AJ Dagga Tollar.

Comrade Emeka delivered an in-depth discussion focusing on several critical issues, including insecurity, rising unemployment rates, the exploitation of electricity consumers by Distribution Companies (DisCos), and land grabbing and forceful eviction of tenants currently going on in Ajegunle. He compared Nigeria to other African countries such as Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana, observing that Nigeria is not genuinely independent. He argued that the country remains tethered to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which dictates its economic policies and programs, and concluded that Nigerians should engage in discussions and organise collectively, suggesting that Independence Day should have been an occasion for mass working people to demand true independence rather than celebration.

Comrade Dagga emphasized that Nigerians are only celebrating 65 years of independence because they are alive. He posed several thought-provoking questions: How was Nigeria constructed? Where are we as a country? How do we organise? Historically, he noted that Nigeria was constructed in the interest of British imperialism and the Nigerian ruling elite.

With a population that has grown from 45 million to over 220 million, one would expect significant human capital development. However, he pointed out that the absence of essential industries such as steel production and reliable electricity (neglected since the Shagari government) has hindered economic growth and development. Specifically, highlighted issues surrounding the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the privatization of the power sector by the Nigerian ruling elite.
The 26 years of democratic regimes have been characterised by “suffering and smiling,” as the removal of subsidies and the devaluation of the naira by the Tinubu regime, a policy dictated by the IMF and World Bank, have further worsened the living conditions of workers, students, and the masses at large.
Problems such as insecurity, climate change, banditry, agitation for self-determination, and corruption have contributed to the challenges faced by the working masses of the country. The critical evaluation of proposed strikes by the Academic Staff Union, PEGASSAN, and the NUPENG saga, especially in relation to the Dangote refinery, further highlights Nigeria’s economic crisis.
Comparing the current corrupt capitalist regime, which has commercialised major sectors of the economy, leading to mass hunger and unemployment, with the model of social democracy, as implemented by the UPN government, which built its core programmes on education, health, housing and agriculture during the Second Republic, remains pivoter point to show to the working people that capitalism will only enrich the few at the epense of the mass working people.
Prince Rilwan provided a historical perspective on the struggle for electricity in Nigeria, emphasising how communities can organise, challenge, and resist unjust estimated bills imposed by electricity Distribution Companies. He stressed that Nigerians must confront these companies, which often lack transparent methodologies for tariff determination.
Prince Rilwan highlighted that his organisation has consistently challenged DisCos on behalf of the community, advocating for accountability and fair billing practices. He encouraged residents from various communities to continue organising efforts to resist exploitation and assert their rights against the unscrupulous practices of DisCos.
Two community members expressed their appreciation for the symposium and the valuable insights shared. They commended the organisation for facilitating such an important discussion and highlighted the need for ongoing engagement and activism on issues affecting the common man.
The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Comrade Tunde, who acknowledged the contributions of all speakers and participants. He reiterated the importance of collective action and encouraged everyone to continue advocating for their rights and a socialist future for Nigeria.