‘Nigeria Cannot Fail’: Buratai Counters Claims of State Collapse

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has refuted repeated claims that Nigeria is nearing collapse, insisting such assessments ignore the country’s resilience, history and potential.

In a statement titled “Nigeria: An Unbreakable Nation Rising Through Challenges,” Buratai argued that reports like the 2011 CSAT assessment underestimate both the capability of Nigeria’s leaders and the determination of its citizens.

“Nigeria cannot and will not fail”

Buratai maintained that predictions of state failure run contrary to decades of evidence showing Nigeria has overcome crises that might have destabilised other nations.

“From independence to date, our leaders—civilian and military—have steered this country out of storms many nations would not survive. Nigeria cannot and will not fail, by the grace of God,” he stated.

He highlighted the leadership roles of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and former heads of state such as Generals Yakubu Gowon and Murtala Mohammed. He further noted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo strengthened democratic stability in both 1979 and 1999.

According to him, today’s leadership across government, civil society, business and technology is more accountable and connected to the people, making the idea of national collapse “inconceivable.”

Economic strength and unrealised potential

While acknowledging ongoing economic hardship, Buratai cautioned against evaluating Nigeria solely through its present difficulties.

He emphasised that Nigeria retains its position as Africa’s largest economy and continues to gain recognition in telecommunications, fintech and entertainment. He identified human capital, agriculture, solid minerals, renewable energy and the creative sector as industries that will secure long-term national strength.

Buratai expressed optimism that current diversification efforts will anchor the country’s shift into a post-oil, knowledge-based economy.

Security setbacks “not permanent”

On insecurity, Buratai described existing challenges as part of a “renewal phase,” noting improvements in military capability and the significant decline of Boko Haram from its peak in 2014 and 2015.

He also pointed to ongoing national infrastructure investments—including railway rehabilitation, major expressway upgrades, airport expansions and the Dangote Refinery—as evidence that the nation is building ahead rather than collapsing.

Resilience of the Nigerian people

Buratai said the greatest proof of Nigeria’s durability lies in its citizens, recalling the country’s recovery from the civil war, the economic crises of the 1980s, the struggles for democratic governance, and recent youth-led calls for reform.

“Our people innovate, adapt and support one another in ways that defy every prediction of collapse,” he said.

Message to Western nations: “Stop planning for our failure”

He criticised Western analysts and institutions for what he termed “doomsday projections,” urging international partners to invest in Nigeria’s growth instead of anticipating its downfall.

Buratai advised global partners to pursue fairer trade terms, improved technology transfer, collaborative security models, and more balanced global financial policies.

He recommended that Nigerian leaders strengthen patriotism, fast-track economic diversification and decentralise security using community-based policing.

For Western allies, he urged prioritising investment over aid, expanding green finance and spotlighting Nigerian innovation. For African countries, he called for deeper integration under AfCFTA, shared governance strategies and collective advocacy for a fairer global system.

“Nigeria is rising, not falling”

Buratai concluded that the country’s challenges are shaping a stronger future.

“Nigeria’s destiny lies in the hands of Nigerians—a people blessed with abundant resources and an unbreakable spirit. We will not fail. We are rising,” he declared.

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