Muhammadu Buhari, the previous president of Nigeria, passes away at the age of 82.

Muhammadu Buhari, the previous president of Nigeria, passes away at the age of 82.

**Nigeria's Former President Muhammadu Buhari Passes Away at 82**

Nigeria's former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was announced by the presidential press office on Sunday, with no further details given about the cause of death.

Born in Daura, Katsina state in Nigeria's northern province in December 1942, Buhari first came to political prominence in 1975 after a military coup that overthrew then-ruler Yakubu Gowon. He completed military training in Kaduna state, Great Britain, India, and the United States before being made military governor of Borno state.

Buhari first came into political prominence in the state of Borno, which was plagued by the Boko Haram insurgency. He was known for his tough stance against the group and security issues that plagued the northeast of the country for years.

Buhari ran unsuccessfully for the presidency three times before his election in 2015. He was re-elected for another four-year term in 2019. During his tenure, Buhari's presidency was marked by key achievements and significant challenges.

One of the key achievements was the military modernisation and security efforts. Buhari's administration oversaw an unprecedented surge in military modernization and asset acquisition, aimed at tackling security threats such as the Boko Haram insurgency and militants disrupting oil production in the southeast. Although the militants initially rebounded, the government made notable strides in combating insecurity.

Economic recovery and policy frameworks were also a priority for Buhari's administration. Faced with a severe recession in 2016 due to collapsing oil prices, the administration prioritized fiscal discipline, capital spending, and institutional reforms. The Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) for short-term stabilization, followed by the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP, 2017–2020), which focused on infrastructure, industrialization, and public sector reform, helped boost investor confidence despite ongoing poverty challenges.

In 2021, Buhari’s government launched the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), aiming to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within ten years, using a multi-pronged approach involving macroeconomic stability, industrialization, social inclusion, and governance reforms.

The administration also moved towards evidence-led governance in its second term, creating audit committees to review progress and setting nine priority areas including food security, energy, infrastructure, human capital development, and social inclusion.

Buhari’s 2015 election victory marked the first time an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria’s post-independence history, and his peaceful transfer of power was a notable democratic milestone for the country.

However, Buhari’s presidency was not without its challenges. Despite military modernization, Nigeria continued to face severe security challenges including the resurgence of Boko Haram, new insurgencies in the southeast, and secessionist movements, which tested federal unity.

The abrupt oil price collapse severely impacted Nigeria’s economy, leading to recession and widespread poverty. While some economic recovery occurred, many Nigerians still lived in extreme poverty by the end of Buhari’s tenure.

Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign was praised for progress but also criticized for appearing selective, targeting political opponents more than allies. Buhari’s frequent and prolonged medical absences abroad raised public concerns about his health and ability to lead. Unclear communication fueled rumors and uncertainty about his condition.

Buhari will be remembered for his strong anti-corruption agenda in Nigeria, a country famously described as "fantastically corrupt" by former British prime minister David Cameron. Current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered condolences to Buhari's wife, while Tinubu also ordered his vice president to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari's body back to Nigeria.

The cause of death was due to a prolonged illness. Buhari's death is a significant loss for Nigeria and the African continent, as he played a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape during his tenure as president.

[1] BBC News. (2023, May 1). Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria's ex-president dies aged 82. [online] Available at:

1. The world mourns the departure of Nigeria's former president, Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82, as his passing marks a significant loss not only for his country but also for the African continent.
2. Africa's political landscape continues to be influenced by events in Nigeria, as the passing of former President Buhari sets the stage for a new chapter in war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice within the country.
3. As Nigeria copes with the loss of its late president, the global community looks forward to a peaceful transition and leadership that can continue fighting against corruption, a daunting issue not only in Nigeria but across Africa.

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