Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has debunked recent social media claims suggesting that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a failed state, insisting that such assertions ignore the country’s long history of resilience.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, titled “Nigeria: An Unbreakable Nation Rising Through Challenges,” Buratai argued that negative projections—such as the widely referenced 2011 CSAT assessment—do not reflect Nigeria’s current trajectory, leadership reforms, or the resolve of its people.
He wrote, “Nigeria has survived political instability, economic shocks and security threats that many nations would not withstand. Nigerian leaders have repeatedly steered the nation from the brink.”
Buratai added that the country is witnessing the emergence of a new wave of committed leaders across government, technology, civil society and the private sector.
According to him, “A new generation of patriotic leaders is rising—more connected, more accountable and deeply committed to national unity. The idea that such a leadership corps would allow national collapse is inconceivable.”
The former Army chief commended past national leaders—including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo—for guiding the country through defining periods, adding that present-day leaders are even more responsive to citizens.
While acknowledging that Nigerians are facing economic hardship, Buratai warned against evaluating the country solely through short-term challenges.
He said Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy and continues to expand its global footprint in sectors such as telecommunications, fintech, entertainment and human capital.
On national security, he insisted that the nation is in a “renewal phase,” arguing that Boko Haram has been significantly weakened compared to the peak of its insurgency.
Buratai also pointed to major national projects—including railway expansion, major road construction, airport upgrades and the Dangote refinery—as evidence of a country actively building toward stability and long-term prosperity.
He criticised Western institutions for what he described as “doomsday predictions,” urging them instead to deepen investment, technology transfer and equitable trade partnerships.
He also encouraged Nigerian leaders to intensify economic diversification, adopt decentralised security strategies and strengthen civic patriotism.
Buratai further appealed to African nations to advance regional integration under the AfCFTA and push for a fairer global financial order.
Concluding his message, he wrote, “Nigeria’s destiny lies in the hands of Nigerians. We are blessed with abundant resources and an unbreakable spirit. Nigeria cannot and will not fail—we are rising.”
