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The federal government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, describing such assertions as exaggerated and misleading.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) had on Tuesday warned that the country was “on the brink of collapse,” citing worsening insecurity, rising poverty, and what it described as a breakdown in governance.

In a joint statement signed by over 50 groups, the coalition called for urgent reforms to address what it termed deepening national crises.

However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, rejected the claims on Wednesday, insisting that Nigeria remains stable, resilient, and on a path to recovery and growth.

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Speaking at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, Idris said: “I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink. On the contrary, we are demonstrating resilience daily and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.”

On security, he assured Nigerians of steady progress through sustained military operations and improved intelligence coordination. He cited recent operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where security forces neutralised bandits and foiled planned attacks.

“Coordinated efforts by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have yielded gains across several regions. Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have declined significantly, and we are strengthening intelligence and rapid response systems to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

On the economy, Idris pointed to improving indicators, including stronger foreign reserves and renewed investor confidence. He noted that ongoing reforms in both oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams and stabilising public finances.

“These decisions, though difficult, are fostering transparency and creating a more stable economic environment,” he added.

The minister also urged the media to uphold responsible and accurate reporting, especially ahead of another election cycle. He emphasised the critical role of broadcasters in shaping public perception and promoting national unity.

“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must inform, educate, and unite our people while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness,” he said.

Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a free and responsible media environment and called for stronger collaboration to combat misinformation and promote national cohesion.

 

The US Department of State has authorised non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department noted that, starting April 8, 2026, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The advisory classified the overall travel advisory for Nigeria as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while some states are at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

The department also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states to the list of “Do Not Travel” areas, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation,” the advisory read.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk,” it added.

Level 4 states that U.S. citizens are urged to avoid include, in the North, Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The advisory also listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, citing unrest, crime, and kidnapping.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.

“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory said.

In Southern and Southeastern Nigeria, the department urged citizens to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest.

“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory added.

The advisory noted that violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread and U.S. citizens are perceived as wealthy and are frequent targets.

It said terrorist attacks remain a threat across the country, including at markets, shopping centers, hotels, places of worship, and public gatherings.

It further described health services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, with medical facilities generally not meeting U.S. or European standards.

The State Department, however, urged U.S. citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important updates, exercise caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and establish personal safety and “proof of life” protocols.