Nigeria in 2025: A Year of Turmoil and Challenges -By Abdulsamad Danji

Nigeria has witnessed significant events in 2025, shaping the country’s political, social, and economic landscape.

Security Concerns
Kidnappings and Banditry: The country has seen a surge in mass kidnappings, with hundreds of students and teachers abducted in various incidents. The Nigerian government has responded by declaring a nationwide security emergency and deploying more troops to affected areas.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, Nigeria recorded 4,722 abductions and paid over N2.57 billion in ransoms. Bandits have become increasingly audacious, posting live videos on social media and issuing threat.

Boko Haram Insurgency: Boko Haram has continued its violent campaign, with attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure. The group has been responsible for numerous kidnappings, bombings, and other atrocities.
Wike Crisis: Tensions flared between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and military officers over a land dispute in Abuja. Wike accused the officers of operating with impunity and vowed to take action.

Politics
Defections: Several politicians have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to other parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ADC.

US-Nigeria Relations: US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria, accusing the country of genocide against Christians. However, the Nigerian government and international observers have disputed these claims, citing the complexity of the security situation.

Education
ASUU Strike: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to go on an indefinite strike over unresolved demands, including the implementation of the 2009 agreement and improved working conditions.

Economy
Digital Sovereignty: Nigeria is pushing for digital sovereignty, with plans to build local infrastructure and protect data. The government aims to accelerate economic growth and development through digitalization and innovation.

Reflection
As the year unfolds, Nigerians reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Notable individuals who passed away in 2025 include:
Dr. Idris Abdul-Aziz (2025)
President Muhammadu Buhari (2025).
Alhaji Aminu Dantata (2025)
Prof. Jibrin Amin (2025)
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi (2025)
Sheikh Sa’idu Hassan Jingir (2025)

Boko Haram insurgency crippling the nation. The government has declared a national security emergency, allocating ₦5.41 trillion to overhaul national security and combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Despite efforts, attacks persist, with over 7.8 million people requiring urgent assistance.

The situation demands decisive leadership, accountability, and a unified strategy to protect citizens and restore stability. President Bola Tinubu emphasized, Security spending must deliver results.