LAGOS, Nigeria — Media entrepreneur and former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has said that while a third world war is “inevitable” due to global instability and leadership failures, Africa—and Nigeria in particular—would remain untouched by such a conflict.
Speaking during a live interview with global affairs expert Dane Waters on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Founder of the Silverbird Group cited increasing access to weapons, a rise in violent conflict, and the presence of “trigger-happy” leaders as signs pointing to another global war.
“We’re in big trouble and as long as we have the kind of leaders we have in the world today, I see World War Three coming and it’s going to be terrible,” Murray-Bruce said.
However, he suggested that Nigeria’s diplomatic posture and lack of military ambitions would insulate it from the devastation of such a war.
“The beauty of World War III is that it’s not going to affect Africa. Africa will be spared,” he said.
“You guys are going to fight all across the world but we are going to be safe in Nigeria.
“Nobody is going to be fighting in Nigeria because we have no territorial ambitions, we have no desire to acquire nuclear weapons, we don’t want to fight anybody, we’re friends with all our West African neighbours.”
Murray-Bruce further suggested that, in the event of a catastrophic global conflict, Nigeria would emerge as a haven for displaced populations—but would implement structured immigration controls.
“So yeah, there’s going to be a World War III, the rest of the world will be destroyed and we’ll be happy to welcome Americans, Israelis and Iranians to Nigeria,” he said.
“And we’ll make sure you all have your visas to come here because we don’t want you to come as immigrants… but we’re going to treat you well when you come visit us in Nigeria.”
Referencing major 20th-century wars—including the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War—Murray-Bruce warned that history could repeat itself if world leaders fail to prioritise peace.
“I think there’s too much violence in the world today. I think access to weapons is easy. I think we have a lot of trigger-happy leaders across the world… We have a lot of despots and crazy people. So, war is inevitable,” he said.
“As long as we elect crazy people into leadership positions, this is what we’re going to have because it’s the leaders that cause the war, not the people.”
