Despite the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to deploy Nigerian troops in Niger Republic to restore democratic rule, the looming prospect of military intervention raises concerns about its heavy toll on Nigeria’s resources.

Based on the global average cost of war to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), such a move could double Nigeria’s N2.98 trillion defense budget from the 2023 Appropriation Law.

This estimate might even be conservative, considering that countries at war allocate between 23.5% and 59.1% of their GDP to conflict-related expenditures.

Amid diplomatic deliberations, ex-generals and security experts advise pursuing peaceful solutions to avoid the potential economic and humanitarian ramifications of war.

Nigeria’s history with prolonged military engagements, such as its extended involvement in Liberia, Afghanistan, and Russia’s Ukrainian intervention, underscores the risks of embarking on conflicts.

The instability in Niger, characterized by multiple coups and strategic alliances, complicates the situation further.

A military confrontation with Niger could strain resources, exacerbate regional instability, and undermine joint efforts against insurgency and terrorism.

Despite the complexities, opinions diverge, with some suggesting that military action is necessary to restore democracy in Niger, while others emphasize the importance of peaceful resolutions to maintain economic stability and world order.