Nigeria Marks 65 Years Struggling With Agricultural Decline Industrial Challenges

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the nation continues to face significant economic challenges, particularly in its agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Agriculture, once the backbone of Nigeria's economy and a major source of exports, has declined due to policy inconsistencies, over-reliance on oil, and neglect, despite the country's vast natural resources and arable land. Similarly, the manufacturing sector remains underperforming, contributing less than 10 percent to GDP and hindered by infrastructure deficits, policy missteps, and high production costs, which have prevented it from becoming a robust driver of economic growth. While the oil sector has seen increased activity and investment under President Bola Tinubu's reforms, downstream challenges persist, with refinery operations plagued by strikes and financial difficulties, undermining domestic fuel supply. Stakeholders have urged the government to address structural bottlenecks, improve infrastructure, and sustain reforms aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependence to foster inclusive growth and long-term prosperity. Overall, despite Nigeria's abundant resources and potential, economic diversification and industrialization remain elusive due to governance challenges, infrastructural deficits, and policy inconsistency.