4th December, 2025
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retired), has rejected assertions circulating on social media that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a failed state.
In a Facebook statement on Wednesday titled “Nigeria: An Unbreakable Nation Rising Through Challenges,” General Buratai described these claims as misguided and out of touch with the nation’s proven record of resilience.
He argued that pessimistic projections like the 2011 CSAT assessment overlook recent leadership reforms and the unwavering determination of Nigerian citizens to overcome adversity.
The retired army general emphasized that Nigeria has successfully navigated political turbulence, economic difficulties and security challenges that would have destabilized many 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,” Buratai stated.
He praised historical figures including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo for steering the country through critical moments, noting that contemporary leaders are more accountable and connected to citizens than ever before.
While acknowledging current economic hardships, Buratai cautioned against judging Nigeria solely through the lens of present difficulties, calling such evaluations shortsighted.
He pointed out that Nigeria maintains its position as Africa’s largest economy with expanding influence in telecommunications, financial technology, entertainment and human capital development.
On security matters, the former military chief characterized the current situation as a renewal phase, asserting that Boko Haram has been substantially weakened compared to previous years.
Buratai highlighted ongoing infrastructure development including railway modernization, road construction projects, airport upgrades and the Dangote refinery as evidence of Nigeria’s forward momentum.
He criticized Western organizations for promoting doomsday scenarios and urged international partners to prioritize investment, technology transfer and fairer global trade arrangements.
The retired general recommended that Nigerian leaders pursue deeper economic diversification, implement decentralized security approaches and strengthen civic patriotism.
He also called on African nations to accelerate regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advocate for a more equitable global financial system.
“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,” General Buratai concluded.