Nigeria’s Future Is Secure — Buratai Declares, Dismisses Failed-State Claims
Former Army Chief says Nigeria is too resilient to collapse, urges global partners to support nation’s rise
Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), has firmly rejected ongoing narratives describing Nigeria as a “potential failed state,” insisting that such claims are grossly inaccurate and disconnected from the country’s reality.
Buratai made the remarks during a recent national address, where he emphasized Nigeria’s historical strength, national character, and unstoppable potential for renewal and growth.
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Buratai asserted that the idea of Nigeria collapsing has no foundation in the country’s socio-political identity.
“Nigeria will not fail. Nigeria cannot fail. By the grace of God, Nigeria will continue to rise,” he said confidently.
A Legacy of Leadership and National Foundations
He highlighted the legacies of early national leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noting that their contributions to education, governance, political organization, and regional development remain pillars upon which modern Nigeria stands.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s democratic growth, institutional expansion, and the rise of dynamic young leaders across the private and public sectors as evidence of a thriving system, not a failing one.
Economy: Challenges But Immense Potential
Buratai acknowledged the economic pressures facing millions of Nigerians but expressed strong optimism, arguing that the nation has consistently shown the ability to adapt and evolve.
He cited Nigeria’s transformation from an agricultural economy to Africa’s largest economy, with massive growth in telecommunications, fintech, Nollywood, agriculture, renewable energy, and solid minerals.
He added that Nigeria still has vast untapped opportunities capable of driving the next phase of national prosperity.
Security: Threats Are Serious But Not Defining
Speaking on insecurity, Buratai urged Nigerians not to equate ongoing challenges with national failure.
He reassured citizens that Boko Haram, banditry, and criminality—though real—are not existential threats to the nation’s survival. He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for ongoing operations, improved capacity, and resilient morale.
Infrastructure: Evidence of National Growth
Buratai referenced major national developments such as:
- Ongoing rail rehabilitation across regions
- Airport upgrades
- Road expansions
- The Dangote Refinery
- Tech and innovation start-up growth
These, he said, demonstrate that Nigeria is positioning itself for modern, large-scale economic advancement.
The Nigerian Spirit: The Country’s Greatest Weapon
He described the Nigerian identity as one built on resilience, survival, hard work, spirituality, and communal strength.
He recalled how the nation overcame the civil war, military rule, economic recessions, democratic struggles, and social movements like #EndSARS — proof that Nigeria is a country that bends but never breaks.
Call to the International Community
Buratai urged global powers and investors to shift their focus from narratives of instability to narratives of partnership.
He stated that Nigeria needs investment and cooperation, not predictions of collapse.
“The world must stop preparing for Nigeria’s failure. Instead, it should prepare for Nigeria’s inevitable rise.”
His Recommendations
Buratai laid out key recommendations for national progress:
- Harness youth potential through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship
- Strengthen community policing with modern intelligence tools
- Drive economic diversification, especially in agriculture and mining
- Support small businesses through better access to credit
- Collaborate regionally with African nations to assert stronger continental sovereignty
Conclusion
Buratai concluded by reaffirming his belief in the country’s future:
“Nigeria’s destiny is in the hands of Nigerians — a people blessed with immense potential and an unbreakable spirit. We are rising, not falling.”
Nigeria’s Future Is Secure — Buratai Declares, Dismisses Failed-State Claims