This note is intended strictly for internal reflection and strategic guidance
- Overview of Recent Engagement
I held a substantive and serious discussion with a senior U.S. congressional figure directly involved in shaping America’s approach to Nigeria’s current security and governance challenges.
What is clear from that engagement is this:
The United States is treating Nigeria’s internal crisis with a level of seriousness that cannot be overstated.
There is no sense of ambiguity or casual engagement on their side. Their posture is firm, focused, and deeply concerned.
- U.S. Assessment of Nigeria
The Americans have conducted extensive consultations both in Washington and in Nigeria with multiple stakeholders across government and civil society.
Their assessment is straightforward:
• The situation in parts of Nigeria has escalated beyond normal domestic security concerns.
• The humanitarian suffering is now visible internationally.
• The patterns of violence affecting Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, the Middle Belt, and moderate Muslim communities in the North have drawn significant attention.
This is no longer seen as a “narrative contest” or a political disagreement.
They view it as a structural crisis with far-reaching implications.
- Key Impression From the Meeting
My conversation left me sober.
Their seriousness is real, and their expectations of Nigeria are high.
They are prepared to provide support, but the underlying message is unmistakable:
Nigeria must demonstrate that it is confronting its crisis honestly, not defensively.
They are not interested in political spin, denial, or internal blame-shifting.
They want to see decisive action taken at home.
- A Warning for Our Leadership
I am concerned that the presidency may be underestimating the gravity of the situation or assuming that current approaches will suffice.
They will not.
The credibility gap between what Nigerians are experiencing and what government spokespersons are presenting is widening and the international community sees it clearly.
The danger is not American perception.
It is the risk of Nigeria losing control of its own narrative.
- Internal Damage
We must also acknowledge the harm we are doing to ourselves:
• Fragmented messaging
• Avoidance of responsibility
• Escalating ethnic and sectarian rhetoric
• Failure to acknowledge suffering
• Confusion created by inconsistent communication
These factors are eroding public trust and weakening our international standing.
- Immediate Internal Needs
What Nigeria requires right now is a total communication and orientation recalibration:
• Unified national messaging
• Transparent acknowledgment of the crisis
• Clear articulation of the government’s strategy
• Reassurance for affected communities
• Reduction of internal political noise
• Prevention of misinformation from shaping foreign assessments
If we lose control of the narrative and the reality on the ground continues to deteriorate external actors will define the Nigerian situation for us.
- Final Note
I remain confident in God’s protection over Nigeria.
But faith does not replace responsibility.
We must act, and we must act with clarity and unity.
This moment is more consequential than many realize.
Otunba Segun Showunmi
The Alternative.
