The recent offer by United States President Donald Trump to assist Nigeria in driving out terrorists and their sponsors has triggered intense national debate about the country's sovereignty and governance failures. This development came after the US designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on October 31, 2025.
Mixed Reactions and Unhelpful Narratives
The announcement elicited varied reactions from different quarters, ranging from belligerent responses to uncritical acceptance. One television analyst, claiming to be a professor, suggested that President Trump's threat was designed to prevent President Tinubu's return in 2027. He even claimed Nigerians would crush the US army in battle, displaying rhetoric reminiscent of former Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.
In the absence of a coherent government response, various spokespersons including terrorism sympathizers, regime defenders, religious bigots, contractors and politicians have dominated media spaces with conflicting narratives. Many continue to live in denial despite overwhelming evidence of calculated killings in Plateau, Benue and Southern Kaduna - predominantly Christian communities.
Government's Contradictory Stance
While petitioners presented concrete evidence to US authorities, some of Tinubu's ministers continue denying the obvious. Foreign Affairs Minister Yussuf Tuggar insisted that "the Nigerian State is secular in both structure and function" and operates without religious bias. This statement contradicts the reality of Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections, which violated Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake claimed terrorists attack for economic rather than religious reasons, a position challenged by the killing of 40 worshippers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo on June 5, 2022. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo took a more diplomatic approach, asking for "support, cooperation and collaboration to confront this menace of terrorism."
Systemic Failures and Historical Context
The core issue extends beyond Trump's intervention to fundamental governance failures. Nigeria has deviated from the vision of its founding fathers who designed a constitution to protect all citizens regardless of tribe or religion. The current generation of leaders has failed to uphold these agreements.
Systemic oppression continues against minority groups, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Data confirms that most federal institutions in Kaduna State are located in Central and Northern senatorial districts, marginalizing Southern Kaduna. Similar patterns exist in Niger State where the Gbagyi people face systematic marginalization and land appropriation.
The creation of local government areas reflects historical inequities, with Lagos having 20 constitutionally recognized councils compared to Kano's 44, despite similar population sizes. This disparity remains unaddressed despite constitutional challenges.
Path Forward: Rethinking Nigeria's Foundation
President Tinubu has taken some steps toward addressing these imbalances, including creating regional commissions and approving the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna. He also split the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology into six campuses across geo-political zones, breaking Zaria's exclusive hold.
However, these measures remain insufficient for Nigeria's complex challenges. The country requires a comprehensive national dialogue to address fundamental structural issues. As a 2005 US National Intelligence Council report predicted, Nigeria faces significant challenges that could lead to state failure without meaningful reforms.
The conversation triggered by Trump's threat should focus on returning to the constitutional template negotiated by Nigeria's founding elders - a nation where all citizens enjoy equality regardless of religion or tribe. The government's failure to protect lives and property undermines its moral claim to sovereignty, making urgent structural reforms imperative for national survival.
