Hon. Ekundayo Bush-Alebiosu, former member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency and now Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, believes Nigeria’s 66 years of independence call for honest reflection and renewed responsibility. In this interview, he speaks on the country’s achievements and challenges, the demands of leadership and the role of citizens in nation-building.
Bush-Alebiosu represented Kosofe in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015, serving two terms. He chaired the House Committee on Treaties and Agreements, where he worked on legislation relating to Nigeria’s international treaties and agreements. From 2003 to 2007, before his election to the National Assembly, he was Special Assistant on Housing to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then Governor of Lagos State and now President of Nigeria.
Having worked in both the executive and legislative arms of government, he speaks with a broad perspective on governance, leadership and development. He also addresses the expansion of education, technological advancement, democratic governance and the unfinished task of nation-building.
Nigeria is 66 years old as an independent nation. Looking back, how would you assess the country’s journey since 1960?
When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, there was tremendous optimism about the future. We inherited a country blessed with enormous human and natural resources, a young and energetic population, and institutions that provided a foundation on which a prosperous nation could be built. Sixty six years later, we must pause to reflect on how far we have come, recognise the gains we have made and confront the challenges that remain. Most importantly, we must accept the responsibility to build on the foundations laid by previous generations.
Nigeria’s story should not be viewed solely through the prism of its challenges. It is an unfinished journey. We have made significant progress, but there is still enormous room for growth.
What would you consider Nigeria’s major achievements since independence?
One of our most significant achievements has been the expansion of education. At independence, access to higher education was relatively limited. Today, we have universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions across the country. We have produced professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and leaders who are making remarkable contributions, both in Nigeria and around the world.
However, expanding access is only one part of the equation. We must continue to invest in the quality, relevance and inclusiveness of education. Particular attention should also be given to children and young people with special needs. Every child deserves an opportunity to discover his or her potential, acquire the necessary skills and contribute meaningfully to society. A nation cannot afford to leave any segment of its young population behind.
Beyond education, in which other areas has Nigeria recorded significant progress?
We have witnessed remarkable progress in telecommunications, financial services, transportation, technology and infrastructure. The digital revolution, in particular, has transformed the way Nigerians communicate, learn, work and do business. Today, a young Nigerian can learn a skill online, establish a business, connect with the global community, access international markets and create value using tools that would have been unimaginable a few decades ago. These are significant gains that we must acknowledge and build upon.
You spent eight years in the National Assembly. What did that experience teach you about governance and leadership?
It taught me that leadership is fundamentally about responsibility. Having served in the National Assembly and now in the Lagos State Government, I have come to appreciate that public office is not an end in itself. It is an opportunity to serve, solve problems, strengthen institutions and leave the system better than you found it. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to make laws that respond to the needs of the people, provide effective oversight and contribute to the development of the country. But legislation alone cannot transform society. We need responsible implementation, strong institutions and committed leadership at all levels of government.
How would you assess Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999?
Our democratic experience has demonstrated resilience. Since 1999, Nigeria has sustained democratic governance, and our institutions continue to evolve. That does not mean there are no challenges. There are areas where our democracy needs strengthening, particularly institutional capacity, accountability, citizens’ participation and public trust. But we must also recognise that democracy is a process. Institutions become stronger when citizens participate, when leaders are held accountable and when the rule of law is respected.
What role does leadership play in Nigeria’s development?
Leadership is central to national development. We need leaders who understand that public office is an opportunity to serve, build and create an environment in which people can thrive. Leadership should be measured by the institutions we build, the problems we solve and the opportunities we create for the people. But leadership is not restricted to those in public office. Citizens also have responsibilities. Nation-building is a shared responsibility among government, the private sector, civil society and ordinary citizens.
Nigeria has a very large young population.
What should be done to harness the potential of the youth?
We must challenge our young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of Nigeria’s future, but as its builders. We should encourage them to become problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of opportunities. It is easy to complain about what is wrong with Nigeria. The greater responsibility is to ask: “What can I do to make it better?” That mindset is important. We must also create an environment in which young Nigerians can acquire quality education, develop relevant skills, access opportunities, build businesses and contribute to national development.
What are the biggest challenges Nigeria must confront as it moves forward?
The challenges are real. We must continue to improve education, infrastructure, economic opportunities, governance and social inclusion. We also need to strengthen our institutions and ensure that public resources are deployed effectively for the benefit of citizens. But challenges should not make us lose sight of the opportunities before us. Nigeria has enormous human and natural resources. We have a large and energetic population, a growing technology ecosystem, a strong entrepreneurial culture and a strategic position within Africa and the global economy. The task is to convert these advantages into sustainable development.
What message do you have for Nigerians as the country marks 66 years of independence?
Nigeria’s story is not one of failure. It is an unfinished journey. We have made significant progress, and there is still enormous room for growth. If we deliberately invest in our people, strengthen leadership and institutions, expand inclusive and quality education, and encourage our young generation to turn challenges into opportunities, I believe Nigeria can fulfil the promise of independence. We should not only ask what Nigeria has done for us. We should also ask what we can do for Nigeria. The future of this country cannot be left entirely to government. Every Nigerian has a role to play. Our responsibility is simple: to leave the Nigeria of tomorrow better than the Nigeria we inherited.