Former President Muhammadu Buhari recently spoke to journalists from the Katsina State Correspondents’ Chapel in Daura and defended his administration’s performance, saying Nigeria’s economy and security improved during his eight years in office (2015–2023).
He talked about the challenges he inherited and the progress his government made in tackling them, particularly in security and economy.
His comments have reopened the conversation about Nigeria under his watch.
Buhari said he inherited a nation facing severe security and economic challenges when he came in 2015.
According to him, at that time, Boko Haram was controlling swathes of land in the Northeast and crude oil prices and mismanagement were crippling the economy.
His administration focused on reclaiming territories and diversifying the revenue sources beyond crude oil.
For instance, the Anchor Borrowers’ Program in agriculture reportedly grew rice production and reduced importation by over 60% by 2021, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Security Gains
The former President said he has weakened the insurgent groups, pointing to the recapture of territories and the degradation of Boko Haram’s capacity.
Data from the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker shows a decline in terrorist attack fatalities after peaking in 2014–2015. But banditry and kidnappings rose in the Northwest towards the end of his tenure, illustrating the complexity of Nigeria’s security situation.
Buhari acknowledged these challenges, saying “leadership comes with unseen burdens,” a reference to the difficulties in solving deep-seated problems.
Economic Reforms
On the economic front, the Buhari administration introduced the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) to stabilize inflation and attract investment.
While the plan got Nigeria out of its worst recession in decades, inflation rates were still volatile, rising to 18.8% in 2022.
Critics say poverty deepened, with 63% of Nigerians multidimensionally poor in 2022, according to National Bureau of Statistics.
But Buhari says his administration laid the foundation for sustainable growth, asking citizens to “trust the process.”
In his words, “Nigeria’s security and economy improved significantly under my administration compared to what we met in 2015. Things will continue to improve in Nigeria.”
Media Endorsement
The Katsina journalists’ visit included praise for Buhari’s “commitment to unity and security” from Chapel Chairman Yusuf Ibrahim-Jargaba.
Such endorsements reflect the divided opinion of the public, as many Nigerians are still debating the tangible impact of Buhari’s policies.
For example, while the Lagos-Ibadan Railway improved connectivity, fuel subsidies and currency devaluation strained household budgets.
Lessons for Citizens and Leaders
Buhari’s speech is a reminder of Nigeria’s ability to bounce back from adversity. For everyday citizens, staying informed through credible sources – like verified government reports or trusted media—is key to holding leaders accountable.
Meanwhile, policymakers must be transparent and adaptable, learning from past strategies to address current challenges like rising food prices and communal conflicts.
As Nigeria moves into the post-Buhari era, the debate around his legacy confirms a universal truth: progress is incremental and leadership is about balancing ambition with reality. While the arguments about his tenure will continue, one thing is clear—
– the way to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria is collective effort, innovation and patriotism from all stakeholders.
Nigerians should engage actively with community-driven initiatives like local security networks or agricultural cooperatives to complement government efforts.
As the saying goes, “A tree cannot make a forest.” Progress happens when citizens and leaders work together.
Note: This analysis uses data from Central Bank of Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics and independent security trackers to ensure accuracy and context.
Source: FreshNews.NG