Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death in the United Kingdom on Sunday.
The burial drew a cascade of tributes from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, with top government officials, past leaders, and President Bola Tinubu in attendance.
Supporters thronged the streets, marking his final journey with solemnity, fanfare, and celebration of a life that defined a generation of Nigerian politics.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, leaves behind a legacy that remains deeply divisive—admired for his discipline and integrity, yet criticized for economic missteps, policy rigidity, and perceived ethnic partiality.
As dignitaries eulogised Buhari as a patriot, disciplinarian, and anti-corruption icon, political leaders across party lines acknowledged his enduring impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.
His military-era War Against Indiscipline campaign and austere personal lifestyle endeared him to many Nigerians disillusioned with endemic corruption.
His re-election in 2015 marked a historic moment: the first time an opposition candidate unseated a sitting president in Nigeria’s democratic history. Riding a wave of public dissatisfaction with President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Buhari’s “change” mantra promised a war on corruption, stronger security, and economic reform.
Buhari took office in 2015 amid falling global oil prices and a fragile economy. However, critics say his delayed cabinet appointments and rigid economic policies worsened the situation.
His resistance to devaluing the naira, preference for centralised economic control, and suspicion of market forces sparked investor uncertainty and gave rise to multiple exchange rates and arbitrage.
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Public debt ballooned from ₦12.1 trillion in 2015 to over ₦77 trillion, largely due to heavy Central Bank financing and opaque fiscal practices.
Despite inheriting a struggling economy, critics argue that Buhari’s government failed to implement dynamic solutions, often relying on outdated or ideological economic models that stifled private sector growth.
Buhari campaigned as “Mr. Integrity,” yet his administration was riddled with high-profile scandals:
Fuel subsidies, which he once vowed to remove, became a fiscal black hole—rising to ₦4 trillion annually by 2022, consuming over a quarter of the national budget.
The controversial Nigeria Air project collapsed into scandal after billions were spent without a single operational flight.
The NNPC, despite partial reforms, remained a bastion of secrecy with persistent allegations of oil theft and underreported earnings.
Social schemes like TraderMoni and school feeding were marred by political interference and poor implementation.
One of the biggest failures was the Anchor Borrowers Programme, initiated by the Central Bank under then-Governor Godwin Emefiele. Over ₦1 trillion was disbursed, much of it allegedly unaccounted for. Critics blamed weak oversight from the presidency for allowing such massive lapses.
Emefiele’s controversial currency redesign, which threw the country into a cash crunch in 2023, further illustrated the disconnect between monetary policy and the presidency’s control.
Security was a cornerstone of Buhari’s campaign, especially the promise to end Boko Haram’s insurgency. While territorial gains were recorded in the Northeast, the broader security environment deteriorated:
Farmer-herder conflicts intensified, with critics accusing Buhari of favouring Fulani interests and failing to act decisively.
Public trust in security institutions eroded under his watch, as Nigeria became one of the most terrorised countries globally.
Buhari’s tenure saw progress in infrastructure development, with projects such as rail lines, roads, and bridges receiving attention.
His administration also pushed for petroleum sector reform, signing the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Act and supporting the development of modular refineries and the Dangote Refinery.
Agricultural initiatives, especially in rice production, reduced imports and boosted local farming. However, insecurity in farming regions and logistical issues stifled the broader impact of these policies on food security.
For many Nigerians, Buhari remains a symbol of what could have been—a man of discipline and modesty who struggled to translate his ideals into effective governance.
His aloof leadership style, reliance on a close circle of advisors, and failure to reign in misconduct within his administration are often cited as reasons for unmet expectations.
As Nigerians reflect on his dual legacy—as a military autocrat who reinvented himself as a civilian president—they are left grappling with the contrast between image and impact, intention and execution.
In Daura, amidst the traditional prayers and national honours, Buhari’s burial closed the chapter on a storied life. Whether his legacy is viewed as one of patriotic service or missed opportunity will remain a subject of national debate.
History will judge Muhammadu Buhari—a soldier, a statesman, and a symbol of both hope and heartbreak.