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Our planning framework is still largely driven by distribution rather than production. The emphasis remains on sharing limited resources through federal character considerations instead of building capacity through competence, productivity, and sustainable growth. This has slowed progress for decades, particularly in addressing environmental and structural challenges that continue to undermine development.
Even now, political focus is shifting toward future elections rather than present realities. The growing tension within the political space reflects a struggle for power ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than a coordinated effort to resolve the country’s most urgent problems.
Returning to the issue of terrorism, from the era of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responses have largely been reactive. The pattern is consistent: the state responds after attacks occur, while armed groups continue to adapt and stay ahead. Effective military campaigns depend on strong intelligence, modern equipment, and the capacity for preemptive action. In contrast, responses have often centered on ransom payments, condolence visits, and public condemnations.
This challenge is further complicated by internal sabotage, religious divisions, ethnic tensions, and persistent leadership failures. Investment in military capability has not been sufficient to build a force capable of decisively confronting well-armed non-state actors who operate freely in remote areas.
Terrorism continues to gain ground because powerful interests benefit from the status quo. Some political actors and influential religious figures in the north are accused of exploiting the crisis for personal or political gain. At the same time, arms dealers, defense contractors, and corrupt officials profit from a procurement system weakened by fraud and patronage.
Meanwhile, frontline personnel face harsh realities. Many are underpaid, poorly equipped, and insufficiently supported. They are deployed against groups that are often better armed and more agile. This imbalance has allowed terrorist groups to outgun security forces in some engagements and to operate across vast, ungoverned spaces with little resistance.
Until these structural and institutional issues are addressed, tactical responses alone will remain inadequate.
Ladi Ayodeji, marriage counselor, author, media expert and philosopher, can be reached on 09059243004, WhatsApp only.
