Nigeria at the crossroads: We must take responsibility for our future

While there is much to say concerning America’s threat to Nigeria, I fear that our country may face attack while we engage in debates to apportion blame, critique the government’s response, or analyse the dire impact an American attack will have on the entire nation.

I have therefore outlined a few urgent steps the government should consider, both for immediate action and for strengthening Nigeria’s long-term security posture.

1. Lead with data: America has made proclamations based on data. The Nigerian government must respond with data, not claims of falsehood. Announce an independent, time-bound inquiry into violence against civilians across all faiths and regions. Publish monthly data on casualties and displacement, and invite credible observers. Replace claims with evidence and make protection the metric of progress rather than propaganda.

2. Show citizen-focused urgency at home: Replicate the tempo shown in the coup response by deploying civilian-protection operations in hotspots, apprehending and punishing perpetrators, and holding monthly public security briefings that clearly outline goals, timelines, and outcomes.

3. Review the management of internal security beyond the service chiefs: Our security must stop revolving around personalities and partisan interests but around systems that guarantee accountability, efficiency, and measurable protection for citizens. The President should initiate a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s internal security architecture – from intelligence coordination and policing to state-level frameworks – to ensure coherence and competence across all layers.

4. Affirm international laws: Reaffirm that any foreign military action without a United Nations mandate violates international law and will be contested through diplomatic and legal channels. At the same time, offer cooperation against terrorism strictly within Nigeria’s consent framework.

5. Lead with strategic communications: streamline all communication through official channels and designated spokespersons to ensure clarity and coherence. Address the nation with respected religious and traditional leaders alongside the President. Condemn all forms of sectarian violence, outline a clear protection plan, share progress dashboards, and provide daily briefings to preempt rumours and fear.

6. Fix the diplomatic machinery: Immediately fill key ambassadorial posts, adequately resource embassies to function effectively, and establish a crisis coordination cell to unify messaging between Abuja and foreign missions so that Nigeria speaks with one credible voice.

From experience in public service, I have learnt that nations project power from within, not without.

Nigeria must remember that sovereignty is not defended by defiance alone, but by competence, consistency, and credibility. True influence rests on internal security, sound policies, economic productivity, verifiable human progress and respect for the rule of law. These are the pillars that inspire confidence in citizens and command the respect of others. When they are absent, disrespect follows naturally.

This moment is not only a test of diplomacy but of character, of whether we can rise above excuses, restore confidence in our state, and prove Nigeria’s resolve to value and defend every Nigerian life.