Fixing Nigeria’s eroding sovereignty

Sixty-six years after independence, Nigeria’s sovereignty is formally intact, but its practical authority over territory and security has been weakened by persistent violence and the inability to guarantee safety in every community. The country that once appeared destined to become Africa’s giant now marks another Independence Day amid insecurity, economic strain and massive distrust. The long descent began in the First Republic. Political rivalry, regional suspicion and constitutional weaknesses culminated in the January 1966 coup, which killed Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Samuel Akintola and other leaders. The July counter-coup, pogroms against easterners and collapse of trust eventually produced Biafra’s secession in 1967 and the civil war, which ended in 1970. Thereafter came prolonged military rule, coups, political instability and economic decline.

Nigeria has repeatedly failed to turn diversity into strength. More than 387 ethnic groups and over 500 languages should constitute a reservoir of culture, enterprise and creativity. Instead, political entrepreneurs have too often weaponised identity, religion and grievance for electoral advantage, making citizenship increasingly subordinate to primordial loyalties. The consequences include mutual suspicion, separatist agitations, jihadist insurgencies and violent crimes. Today, sovereignty is tested by armed groups. Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked insurgents continue operating in the North-East, while banditry and kidnapping have spread across the North-West, North-Central and beyond. Armed Fulani herdsmen have been attacking and displacing communities, especially in the Middle Belt areas, with threats in every state of the federation. Recent mass abductions, including nearly 700 people reportedly taken in Niger State in August 2026, underline the continuing challenge.

Our gallant security forces have achieved important successes, including joint Nigeria–US counterterrorism operations, but the persistence and geographical spread of armed violence show that force alone has not restored security. This is where sovereignty becomes uncomfortable. America’s limited military intervention, which was couched as “cooperation”, said it loud and clear that we need help to fix our compromised sovereignty.

Despite our sorry situation, Nigeria still matters enormously. It is Africa’s most populous country. It possesses major energy resources, has a globally influential film and music industry, and produces leaders of international stature. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala remains Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, while Nigeria continues to command diplomatic, commercial and cultural attention. The difficult road back requires effective constitutionalism, accountable federalism and genuine inclusion. Nepotism must give way to competence and representation. Federal appointments should respect constitutional principles and reassure every community that Nigeria belongs to all. Security forces need intelligence, technology and mobility, while justice must accompany force. Armed insurgency of all types must be defeated.

The 2027 elections should be a civic opportunity for Nigerians to elect leaders committed to constitutional government, security, economic productivity and inclusion. Beyond elections, Nigeria must invest in education, jobs, infrastructure, justice and independent and accountable institutions. Independence is not merely the absence of colonial rule. It is the capacity of a nation to secure its people, govern itself fairly and convert diversity into shared prosperity.

Nigeria can still reclaim her dream. It is a task that must be done!