A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), on Wednesday dismissed social media claims portraying Nigeria as a potential failed state.
Buratai made his position known in a statement on his Facebook page titled “Nigeria: An Unbreakable Nation Rising Through Challenges.”
He said the assertions were misguided and failed to reflect the country’s history of resilience in the face of adversity.
According to him, assessments such as the 2011 CSAT report do not take into account recent leadership reforms and the determination of Nigerians to sustain national stability.
He said Nigeria had survived episodes of political instability, economic shocks and security threats that could have overwhelmed other nations.
“Nigerian leaders have repeatedly steered the nation from the brink. Today, a new generation of patriotic leaders—in government, private sector, civil society and technology—is rising,” he said.
Buratai said the emerging leadership was more connected, more accountable to citizens and committed to national unity, adding that the idea of national collapse was “inconceivable”.
He commended past leaders, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo, for guiding the country through difficult periods.
Buratai added that contemporary leaders were even more responsive to citizens’ expectations.
He acknowledged the country’s current economic challenges but cautioned against evaluating Nigeria solely through present difficulties, saying such conclusions were “shortsighted”.
He said Nigeria remained Africa’s largest economy with expanding global influence in telecommunications, fintech, entertainment and human capital development.
On insecurity, the former Army chief said the situation represented a “renewal phase,” insisting that Boko Haram had been significantly weakened compared to its peak years.
He cited ongoing national projects such as railway modernisation, major road construction, airport upgrades and the Dangote refinery as evidence of a nation working toward a stronger future.
Buratai also criticised Western organisations for what he described as “doomsday projections,” urging the international community to prioritise investment, technology transfer and fairer global trade systems.
He advised Nigerian leaders to deepen economic diversification, strengthen decentralised security strategies and promote civic patriotism.
Buratai also encouraged African countries to accelerate regional integration under the AfCFTA and push for a more equitable global financial structure.
“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 said.
