10 Things To Know About Late Nigerian Former President, Muhammadu Buhari
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away in London at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his former media aide, Garba Shehu, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Buhari, who served Nigeria both as a military ruler and civilian president, leaves behind a complex and impactful legacy. Here are 10 key facts that sum up the life and times of one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
1. Humble Beginnings in Daura 🇳🇬
Born December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari lost his father at the age of 3. Raised by his elder brother and supported by the District Head of Daura, he was enrolled in school — a pivotal moment that changed the course of his life.
2. Military Training Across the World
Buhari trained at elite institutions in the UK, US, and India, served on a UN Peacekeeping mission in Congo, and fought throughout the Nigerian Civil War — earning a reputation for discipline, endurance, and leadership.
3. Governor & Oil Chief in His 30s
By his mid-30s, Buhari had served as:
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Military Governor of the old North-East,
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Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, and
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Chairman of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC) — now NNPCL.
4. Political History Maker 🗳️
After retiring from the military, he entered politics and became the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in Nigeria’s history in 2015. He remains the only non-PDP president to serve two full terms.
5. The 12 Million Vote Man
Even before his victory, Buhari had a devoted base, consistently polling over 12 million votes in each of the 2003, 2007, and 2011 elections. His grassroots support was unmatched in modern Nigerian politics.
6. COVID-19 Crisis Manager
As ECOWAS COVID-19 Champion, Buhari coordinated regional responses. Under his watch, Nigeria exited the pandemic-induced recession faster than many countries, thanks to early fiscal reforms and global cooperation.
7. Massive Infrastructure Drive 🚆
His presidency oversaw Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure campaign in decades, delivering:
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Modern rail lines,
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Upgraded airports,
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Expressways,
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Power stations,
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Ports — financed through Sukuk Bonds, Green Bonds, and the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.
8. Champion of National Unity & Oil Reform
He expanded oil exploration beyond the Niger Delta, leading to the Kolmani oil discovery and encouraging national unity in resource distribution.
9. Military Modernization & Internal Security
Buhari oversaw the largest investment in the armed forces in 40 years, reformed the police, upgraded intelligence capacity, and degraded major insurgent groups, restoring some confidence in national security.
10. Historic Reforms and Social Investment
His reforms included:
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Police Act revision (first in 70+ years)
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CAMA revision (Corporate law)
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Launch of Africa’s largest social investment programme, including:
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Feeding over 10 million school children daily
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N-Power for youth empowerment
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🕊️ Final Thoughts from Eyes of Lagos:
Whether you admired or criticized him, Buhari’s legacy is undeniable. From barracks to ballots, his story shaped Nigeria’s modern history. He leaves behind a nation still debating his impact — but few can argue with his role in its story.