Despite Insecurity Challenges, Nigeria Bares Its Fangs As A Resilient Nation

By

Olabode Opeseitan

• Records Monumental Successes Across Multiple Sectors

The past month has been a crucible of pain and perseverance. From the threat of foreign invasion to the abduction of Catholic students in Niger State, schoolgirls in Kebbi, and worshippers in Kwara, the nation has weathered a storm of security breaches, intense sorrow, political brinksmanship, and shocking celebration of national misfortune by habitual cynics. Yet, Nigeria did not collapse. It recalibrated. It roared back.

SECURITY: Turning the Tide

The 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, and the 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara were either released or rescued. In Niger State, 50 of the 303 abducted students managed to escape and were reunited with their families.

Between November 3rd and 14th, the Armed Forces neutralized 151 terrorists, arrested 456 suspects, and rescued 133 victims. President Bola Tinubu publicly commended their courage and sacrifices. Yet, mainstream and social media often play down these hard-won victories against bandits and terrorists, unlike the banner headlines and viral trends that accompany negative news. When the tide turns in favor of the nation, many conveniently fall silent.

RARE EARTH: A New Industrial Identity

In Nasarawa, the groundbreaking of Africa’s largest $400 million Rare Earth Processing Plant marks a strategic leap. With a 12,000 metric ton capacity, the plant will process critical metals like tungsten, tin, coltan, and tantalum for global tech, energy, and defense sectors.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, declared: “Countries that were behind us three decades ago are today industrial giants because they processed what they mined. Nigeria will now do the same.”

ENERGY: From Oil to Power Transformation

NNPCL posted a record N5.4 trillion profit for 2024 and declared a N4.3 trillion dividend. CEO Bashir Bayo Ojulari announced a $60 billion energy investment plan, targeting gas expansion, cleaner energy, and operational efficiency.

President Tinubu has reignited the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative, targeting 4,000MW of new electricity. The partnership is already yielding results. Siemens delivered 10 transformers and 10 mobile substations under Phase One, boosting transmission capacity by over 1,300MW. These upgrades have helped reduce grid collapses and improve power evacuation. The initiative also includes a training centre to strengthen local engineering capacity.

TRADE AND ECONOMIC REFORM: Surging Forward

Nigeria’s trade sector contributed N40.71 trillion to GDP in H1 2025, with a N12.64 trillion trade surplus. Non-oil exports hit N6.21 trillion, driven by gas sales, refinery activity, and a surge in agricultural exports. Oil output hovered between 1.5 and 1.7 million barrels per day. The trade expansion was further supported by improved port logistics, reduced import dependency, and strategic fiscal reforms that incentivized local production and export competitiveness.

Inflation fell to 16.05% in October, the lowest since March 2022, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline. Food inflation dropped to 13.12%, aided by harvest gains and currency stability.

Foreign reserves now stand at over $46 billion, a new high.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT: Expanding Access and Impact

The Federal Government has disbursed N45.9 billion to upgrade 8,800 Primary Health Care Centres across Nigeria, a major intervention aimed at improving maternal health, diagnostics, and community-based care in underserved areas.

CreditCorp has supported over 1.2 million MSMEs, expanding access to credit and financial inclusion for small businesses. NELFUND has disbursed N116 billion, benefiting 624,000 students across 239 government-owned institutions, with N65 billion allocated for tuition and N51 billion for upkeep.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Coastal Highway Gains Momentum

The Federal Government confirmed that the first 47-kilometre section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will open between December 12 and 17, 2025. This section is part of a 750-kilometre artery connecting nine coastal states. Legal distractions have been dismissed by the courts, clearing the path for uninterrupted progress. The Sokoto-Badagry Highway has gained momentum. Thousands of durable road projects are underway across Nigeria.

ENCORE:
Nigeria’s resilience is not rhetorical, it is empirical. It is measured in lives rescued, roads built, power restored, minerals processed, and futures financed. The nation may stumble, but it never stays down. It rises, recalibrates, and reclaims its promise.

Let the world take note: Nigeria is not a victim of its challenges. It is a victor in spite of them.
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