By Passman Akpos
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has issued a powerful national call-to-confidence, insisting that Nigeria remains far from the “failed state” label often projected by foreign analysts. In an expansive statement titled “Nigeria: An Unbreakable Nation Rising Through Challenges,” Buratai asserted that international predictions of Nigeria’s collapse not only misread the country’s historical evolution but dangerously underestimate the resilience, ingenuity, and divine favour that have sustained the nation for decades.
According to Buratai, the oft-cited 2011 CSAT report—which listed Nigeria among countries at risk of state failure—fails to account for the country’s capacity to rebound from even the most destabilizing phases of its journey. “Nigeria cannot and will not fail, by the grace of God,” he declared emphatically. “To suggest otherwise is to ignore the evidence of our past struggles, our present capacities, and our boundless future potential.”
A Nation Built by Giants
Buratai traced Nigeria’s resilience to the foundations laid by its founding fathers—Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo—whose political and development visions propelled the young republic into continental prominence. He highlighted the nation’s ability to navigate military rule, civil war, political transitions, economic shocks, and insurgencies as proof of a nation that bends but never breaks.
From the industrial push under Gen. Yakubu Gowon to the reformist zeal of Gen. Murtala Mohammed, and the democratic stabilisation efforts under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Buratai stressed that Nigerian leadership—despite imperfections—has repeatedly steered the country away from collapse.
Today, he said, a new generation of patriotic leaders across government, technology, business, and civil society is emerging, more accountable to citizens and more committed to unity and development.
Nigeria’s Economic Power: Untapped and Unmatched in Africa
Buratai acknowledged the country’s current economic challenges but warned critics against evaluating Nigeria’s future through its temporary hardships. From an agrarian economy in 1960 to Africa’s largest GDP in the 21st century, Nigeria has demonstrated consistent upward motion, he said.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest insurance against failure remains its vast untapped potential:
A youthful, innovative population and globally influential diaspora
Over 84 million hectares of arable land
Massive deposits of gold, lithium, iron ore, and rare minerals
World-leading solar radiation levels suitable for green industrialization
A cultural and creative economy acknowledged worldwide
“These are the pillars of a post-oil, knowledge-driven economic future,” Buratai noted.
Security Challenges: A Phase of National Renewal, Not Decline
The former Army Chief described Nigeria’s security landscape as serious but far from insurmountable. He pointed to the degrading of Boko Haram from its 2014–2015 heights and ongoing reforms within the military as evidence of a system fighting back effectively.
He also highlighted major infrastructure investments—from the revived rail lines to the Dangote Refinery—as signs of a nation actively rebuilding its foundations, not drifting toward collapse.
The Nigerian Spirit: A Force the World Underestimates
Buratai credited much of Nigeria’s survival to the resilience and adaptability of its citizens, noting that Nigerians have endured civil war, economic upheavals, military rule, democratic struggles, and modern-day economic hardship—yet remain vibrant, entrepreneurial, and hopeful.
“The daily hustle, the communal support systems, the relentless innovation—these are Nigeria’s ultimate national assets,” he said.
A Message to International Sceptics
Buratai urged Western nations to shift focus from pessimistic predictions to meaningful partnerships that support Nigeria’s rise. He called for technology transfers, fair investment practices, and collaborative—not intrusive—security support.
“The world does not need more contingency plans for Nigeria’s collapse,” he said. “What it needs are partnership plans for Nigeria’s inevitable rise.”
Recommendations for a Stronger Future
For Nigeria:
Promote a new wave of patriotism anchored on merit and national service
Intensify economic diversification into agriculture, minerals, and renewable energy
Strengthen and decentralize security architecture
For the West:
Shift from aid to investments
Support financial reforms and climate financing
Amplify Nigerian innovation on the global stage
For Africa:
Deepen AfCFTA implementation
Share security and governance best practices
Present a unified front for global economic
justice“Nigeria Will Not Fail” — Buratai Reaffirms
Ending on a note of confidence, Buratai declared that Nigeria stands not at the edge of failure, but on the threshold of a remarkable resurgence.
“Nigeria’s destiny is in the hands of its people—blessed with resilience, faith, and unmatched potential,” he wrote. “The world must see Nigeria not as a problem to manage, but as a rising global power. We will not fail. We are rising.”
