Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd) has dismissed recurring predictions of Nigeria's collapse, asserting the nation's unbreakable resilience amid economic hardships and insecurity challenges. In a statement titled "Nigeria: An Unbreakable Nation Rising Through Challenges," Buratai countered assessments like the 2011 CSAT report, emphasizing that leaders from independence era figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello to modern ones have navigated crises that would overwhelm other countries. He declared, "Nigeria cannot and will not fail, by the grace of God," highlighting accountable governance and citizen determination as safeguards against failure.
Buratai acknowledged persistent insecurity as a "renewal phase," noting significant degradation of Boko Haram since its 2014-2015 peak alongside military advancements. He pointed to infrastructure strides like railway rehabilitations, expressway upgrades, airport expansions, and the Dangote Refinery as evidence of forward momentum rather than decline. Economically, Nigeria holds firm as Africa's largest economy with growth in fintech, telecoms, entertainment, agriculture, and human capital, positioning it for a post-oil future through diversification.
The ex-army chief urged Western nations to cease "doomsday projections" and invest in Nigeria's potential via technology transfer and fair trade, while calling on local leaders for decentralized security, constitutional reforms, and civic patriotism. He praised Nigerians' adaptability, from civil war recovery to recent reforms, as the ultimate proof of endurance. Buratai's message reinforces optimism, framing current trials as temporary steps toward greater strength.