Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 4:30 pm in a London clinic, following a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by his former media aide, Garba Shehu, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

 

As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and the world, here are 10 important things to know about the late leader, who served the country both as a military Head of State and a two-term civilian President:

 

1. Early Life of Resilience

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari lost his father at age three. He was raised by his elder brother and later enrolled in school with support from the District Head of Daura—a journey that marked the beginning of a life defined by discipline and determination.

 

 

2. Distinguished Military Career

Buhari trained at top military institutions in the UK, USA, and India. He served in the Congo as part of a UN peacekeeping mission and fought throughout the Nigerian Civil War without taking leave. His bravery earned him widespread respect in the military.

 

 

3. Military Leadership Roles

In his mid-30s, Buhari rose to national prominence, serving as Military Governor of the old North-East State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, and Chairman of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (now NNPC Ltd.).

 

 

4. Political Milestone

After retiring from military service, Buhari joined politics and made history in 2015 by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in Nigeria. He remains the only non-PDP politician to serve two consecutive terms as a civilian president.

 

 

5. Persistent Public Support

Despite losing three presidential elections prior to 2015, Buhari maintained a loyal voter base, consistently securing over 12 million votes in each contest—testament to his popularity, especially in Northern Nigeria.

 

Read Also: BREAKING NEWS: Buhari to Be Buried Monday in Daura, Katsina State

 

6. Leadership During COVID-19

Buhari led Nigeria through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the country exit recession quicker than many others. As ECOWAS COVID-19 Champion, he collaborated with global partners to mitigate the virus’s effects across West Africa.

 

 

7. Infrastructure Development Drive

Under his administration, Nigeria witnessed its most ambitious infrastructure expansion in decades. Roads, railways, power plants, ports, and airports were built or modernized using funding models such as Sukuk Bonds, Green Bonds, and the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.

 

 

8. Champion of Oil Diversification and Diplomacy

Buhari promoted oil exploration beyond the Niger Delta, leading to the landmark Kolmani oil discovery. His administration also strengthened Nigeria’s regional and international diplomatic presence.

 

 

9. Security Reforms and Military Modernisation

He invested heavily in modernising the armed forces—the most in over four decades—reformed the Nigeria Police Force, improved coastal security, and weakened insurgent groups in the North-East.

 

 

10. Reformist Legacy

Buhari oversaw major legislative and economic reforms, including revisions to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Police Act. He also introduced Africa’s largest social investment programme, feeding over 10 million schoolchildren daily and supporting vulnerable Nigerians through conditional cash transfers.

President Muhammadu Buhari leaves behind a legacy marked by discipline, infrastructure renewal, economic and security reforms, and a commitment to national unity. As Nigerians mourn his passing, history will continue to evaluate the impact of his decades of public service, both in uniform and in democratic governance.