Late President Buhari: 7 Signature Achievements in Office

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Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at the age of 82. Buhari, a retired Major General, served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.

 His legacy is one of mixed reactions, with supporters applauding his stance on anti-corruption and critics pointing to economic hardship and security failures. Regardless, Buhari left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s political and national landscape. Here are seven major things he did during his time in office:

1. Anti-Corruption Campaign

One of Buhari’s most defining policies was his aggressive anti-corruption stance. His administration launched several probes and prosecutions of high-profile individuals, including former government officials and top politicians. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was empowered to pursue financial crimes more aggressively. While critics argued that the fight was selective, Buhari maintained that tackling corruption was key to national development.

2. Anchor Borrowers’ Programme

Under his leadership, the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in 2015 to boost agriculture. The initiative provided loans to smallholder farmers to increase local food production and reduce Nigeria's dependency on food imports. Though the programme faced implementation challenges, it contributed to a rise in rice production and awareness of agricultural investment.

3. Infrastructure Development

Buhari’s administration embarked on various large-scale infrastructure projects. These included the Lagos-Ibadan railway line, Abuja-Kaduna railway, and road construction across key corridors. The Second Niger Bridge long delayed by previous administrations—was also completed under Buhari and opened in 2022, symbolising his commitment to national unity and development.

4. Social Investment Programmes

In a bid to reduce poverty, Buhari’s government launched the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP). These included N-Power (youth employment), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), and the Home Grown School Feeding Programme. Millions of Nigerians benefited, especially in rural communities.

5. Security Reforms and Military Investment

Security remained one of Buhari’s biggest challenges. However, he invested heavily in equipping the military and launched major operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the northeast. His administration also responded to banditry and farmer-herder crises, though with limited success. In 2022, the Nigerian Air Force received its first batch of Super Tucano aircraft from the U.S., part of Buhari’s efforts to modernise national defense.

6. Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)

After nearly two decades of delay, the Petroleum Industry Act was signed into law by Buhari in 2021. The law aimed to overhaul Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, improve transparency, and attract foreign investment. It was a landmark achievement and is considered one of the most comprehensive reforms in the oil sector’s history.

7. Closing Nigeria’s Land Borders

In 2019, Buhari ordered the closure of Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling, especially of rice and fuel, and encourage local production. Though controversial, the decision was aligned with his “produce what we eat” policy and contributed to discussions around economic self-reliance. Critics, however, blamed it for inflation and food scarcity.

As Nigerians reflect on Muhammadu Buhari’s life and times, these seven actions define the core of his administration. 

Whether loved or loathed, his tenure reshaped several sectors and left a legacy that will be debated for years to come. From fighting corruption to reshaping Nigeria’s oil laws, Buhari's imprint on the nation is undeniable.

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