Is stabilising the Nigerian economy more important than securing the federation?
pannigeriannews
3 min read
By Malik Bello
According to John Burton, “The economy is not an abstraction. It consists of people, and it will only grow if people feel secure and reasonably free.” This assertion captures the dilemma confronting Nigeria today.
Since the inauguration of the present administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), economic reforms have dominated government policy direction. Key measures such as the removal of petroleum subsidy, the floating of the naira, a comprehensive tax overhaul, and other structural reforms have been rolled out. The Presidency frequently highlights what it describes as the positive impacts of these reforms. However, these reported gains largely exist as digital indicators and macroeconomic data, offering little relief to the average Nigerian whose daily reality is defined by rising costs of living, unemployment and shrinking purchasing power.
Are citizens voicing their hardship? Certainly—daily and across all platforms. But voicing out does not necessarily translate into being heard. Rather than engaging meaningfully with public concerns, the government has proceeded with additional reforms, most recently the proposed Nigeria Tax Reform Act 2025. Although yet to be implemented, public reaction on social media reflects widespread anxiety, suggesting that the harsh effects of previous reforms are still bleeding while new policies loom.
Woodrow Wilson once noted that “the first and chief duty of every government is to keep society peaceful and orderly.” Unfortunately, this fundamental duty appears to be relegated in today’s Nigeria. While the government appears engrossed in economic targets, the nation’s security structure continues to suffer relentless assaults, with insecurity worsening across nearly all geopolitical zones.
Nigeria’s struggle with insecurity has been marked more by crushing lows than progress. Since 2010, the country has grappled with terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and, more recently, violent banditry—often attributed to armed Fulani groups—whose operations have spread across regions. These groups are increasingly emboldened, threatening lives, livelihoods and ancestral communities.
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), more people were killed by insurgents and bandits in the first half of 2025 (at least 2,266 deaths) than in the entirety of 2024. Estimates further suggest that an average of 16 insurgent attacks occur daily, many of which go unreported. SBM Intelligence also reports that at least 22 Nigerians lose their lives daily to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Recent attacks in Kwara State exemplify the grim reality. In Oke-Ode community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, bandits reportedly killed at least 12 people, including local vigilantes and civilians. In a separate incident, attackers stormed a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, killing five worshippers and kidnapping about 35 others.
These casualties underscore a disturbing neglect of the nation’s security architecture. The Federal Government must urgently confront this crisis and decisively dismantle the growing threat of armed groups determined to displace Nigerians from their homes.
This is the moment for the government to reconsider its priorities. While economic stability is critical, security is foundational. A nation hemorrhaging lives and territory cannot endure long enough to enjoy the fruits of economic reforms.
In conclusion, Nigeria has reached a critical hour. The Federal Government must channel its full political will and resources into securing the lives and property of its citizens. Economic numbers mean little in a nation where safety is no longer guaranteed.
…Malik Bello writes through bellomalik001@gmail.com
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