Security, economy tops list as Atiku sets agenda for US visit

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has outlined the core issues that will shape his forthcoming engagement with policy and institutional stakeholders in the United States, placing Nigeria’s worsening security, governance, and economic challenges at the centre of his message.

In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku described the current state of the nation as a “full-blown internal crisis,” warning that the situation has deteriorated beyond the level of routine political debate or partisan interpretation.

He pointed to escalating violence across key regions of the country—from the North-West and North-East to the Middle Belt—as evidence that the state is struggling to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. According to him, the persistence of killings, kidnappings, and criminal activity reflects a deeper pattern of systemic failure rather than isolated security lapses.

Beyond insecurity, the former vice president expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic trajectory, noting that rising inflation, currency instability, and declining purchasing power have compounded the hardship faced by citizens. He attributed the situation to policy inconsistency and what he described as a lack of clear strategic direction, warning that public confidence in the economy continues to erode.

Atiku also raised questions about the health of the country’s democratic institutions, cautioning that declining trust in governance, accountability, and the electoral process could undermine national stability if not urgently addressed.

Responding to anticipated criticism of his planned international engagement, he dismissed claims that speaking to foreign stakeholders amounts to inviting external interference. He argued that Nigeria’s challenges are already visible on the global stage and that constructive engagement should be seen as part of responsible leadership.

According to him, while the sovereignty of leadership decisions rests solely with Nigerians, the country’s strategic importance means that global partners have a legitimate interest in its stability and governance standards.

In a pointed message to the current administration, Atiku urged a shift from what he described as complacency to decisive action, stressing that leadership must be measured by results rather than rhetoric. He called for a comprehensive reset of priorities aimed at restoring security, stabilising the economy, and rebuilding public trust.

He further encouraged citizens to remain actively engaged in national affairs, noting that meaningful change ultimately depends on the collective resolve of the Nigerian people.

Atiku concluded that Nigeria stands at a defining moment, warning that failure to confront existing challenges with honesty and urgency could deepen the country’s instability.

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