Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency marked a transformative era in Nigeria’s modern history. Elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, he was the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president at the ballot box—an achievement that underscored a maturing democracy and his widespread appeal as a man of integrity and discipline.
During his tenure, President Buhari focused on three key priorities: security, economic diversification, and the fight against corruption. He pursued the war against insurgency with renewed vigor, significantly degrading the operational capacity of Boko Haram and restoring relative peace to many parts of the Northeast. Under his leadership, Nigeria intensified its defense partnerships and bolstered the morale and capabilities of the armed forces.
On the economic front, Buhari led Nigeria through challenging times, including a global oil price collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, his administration launched bold initiatives like the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and introduced social investment programs—such as N-Power, TraderMoni, and the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme—which directly impacted millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
He also prioritized infrastructure development, investing heavily in roads, bridges, railways, and airports. Projects like the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, the Second Niger Bridge, and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway stand as testaments to his commitment to long-term national development.
In foreign affairs, Buhari restored Nigeria’s global standing by reinforcing the country’s role in regional stability, peacekeeping, and international diplomacy. His principled voice in global forums championed African interests, good governance, and economic cooperation.
Despite facing criticism and immense challenges, Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency left a lasting imprint on the Nigerian state. His leadership style—rooted in personal discipline, national duty, and quiet resolve—defined his approach to governance and earned him respect across Africa and beyond. His years in office will be remembered as a time of moral clarity, infrastructural renewal, and a deep commitment to laying foundations for a more secure and self-reliant Nigeria.