30/05/2023
Former President Mohammadu Buhari Achievement and Failure:
Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of Nigeria, held office from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. His presidency was marked by a combination of achievements and challenges. In this article, we will examine both his accomplishments and shortcomings during his time in office.
Achievements:
Anti-Corruption Campaign: One of President Buhari's key promises was to fight corruption, which he tackled through various initiatives. He established the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) and implemented the Whistleblower Policy, leading to the recovery of substantial stolen funds.
Economic Diversification: Buhari sought to reduce Nigeria's reliance on oil by promoting economic diversification. His administration initiated programs such as the Anchor Borrowers Program and the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, aimed at boosting agricultural production and reducing food imports.
Infrastructure Development: Buhari prioritized infrastructure development, particularly in the transportation sector. Notable projects include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, railways, and airports, which aimed to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
Social Intervention Programs: The Buhari administration launched several social intervention programs to alleviate poverty and empower vulnerable groups. Initiatives such as the N-Power scheme, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, and Home-Grown School Feeding Program targeted job creation, poverty reduction, and improved education.
Security Efforts: President Buhari made efforts to tackle security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency. Under his leadership, the Nigerian military recorded significant victories, reclaiming territories previously under the control of the terrorist group.
Failures:
Slow Economic Growth: Despite diversification efforts, Nigeria's economy faced significant challenges during Buhari's tenure.
The country experienced a recession in 2016, and economic growth remained slow throughout his presidency, with high inflation rates and unemployment.
Ineffective Power Sector Reform:
The Buhari administration struggled to address the persistent power supply issues in Nigeria. Despite promises to improve the electricity sector, insufficient progress was made, leading to continued energy shortages and hindering economic development.
Inadequate Job Creation:
Unemployment rates remained high during Buhari's presidency. Despite the introduction of social intervention programs, they were insufficient to generate enough employment opportunities to meet the growing demands of the Nigerian population.
Persistent Security Challenges:
While progress was made against Boko Haram, other security threats, such as armed banditry, communal clashes, and kidnapping, increased during Buhari's tenure. These security challenges negatively affected the lives of many Nigerians and hampered social and economic stability.
Poor Human Rights Record:
Critics argue that Buhari's administration exhibited a disregard for human rights, particularly in the areas of freedom of speech and the rule of law. Reports of harassment, intimidation, and suppression of dissenting voices raised concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria.
Conclusion:
Muhammadu Buhari's presidency in Nigeria was marked by a mix of achievements and failures. His administration made progress in the fight against corruption, infrastructure development, and social intervention programs.
However, challenges persisted in economic growth, power sector reform, job creation, security, and human rights. Assessing Buhari's presidency requires acknowledging both his accomplishments and areas where his administration fell short.
Ultimately, the impact of his tenure on Nigeria's long-term development and prosperity will continue to be debated and analyzed by scholars, policymakers, and the Nigerian people
