Achievements

Major Achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari

A comprehensive look into the legacy of progress, reform, and development

During his tenure from 2015 to 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari spearheaded reforms and initiatives that left a lasting impact on Nigeria. From fighting corruption to transforming infrastructure, his achievements span across key sectors of the nation.

Human Development

From 2015 to 2023, the Buhari administration delivered a transformational package of interventions that reshaped human development in Nigeria, particularly across education, health, and water sectors. By centering key social services, the government improved access to essential infrastructure, created sustainable livelihoods, and reduced poverty on an unprecedented scale.

In Education, millions of students were brought into classrooms through the expansion of Universal Basic Education initiatives and strategic reinvestment in school infrastructure. The UBE matching grants alone surpassed ₦240 billion, while teacher development received over ₦24 billion. Enrollment surged by as much as 3.2 million out-of-school children were mainstreamed via the BESDA program. Simultaneously, completion of 12 new dams, completion of over 41 water supply projects, and rehabilitation of dozens of irrigation systems significantly bolstered water access in rural communities—and directly created over 57,000 direct jobs and more than 11,000 indirect jobs.

In Health, the establishment and capital injection into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)—starting with ₦55 billion in 2018—marked a cornerstone achievement, ensuring primary care services reached communities nationwide.

Additionally, multiple federal hospitals and health centers were upgraded, and lifesaving cancer treatment and diagnostic centers were commissioned, leading to thousands of health jobs, improved maternal and child outcomes, and better disease response across Nigeria.

Taken together, these efforts represent more than just individual programs—they form a strategic continuum that delivered hundreds of thousands of jobs, enhanced life expectancy and learning outcomes, and substantially reduced social inequality. By investing in human development, the government laid the groundwork for a healthier, better-educated, and more resilient Nigerian population—with rippling economic benefits across states, communities, and families.

✅Key Achievements

Establishment of New Federal Universities and Colleges

The Buhari administration prioritized expanding access to higher education across Nigeria by approving and establishing new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in underserved regions.

✅ Federal Universities: Between 2015 and 2023, several new federal universities were established, including the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (Benue State), Federal University of Technology Babura (Jigawa State), and Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (Kebbi State). These institutions were strategically located to promote regional balance and equity in access to tertiary education.

✅ Specialized Institutions: The administration also introduced specialized universities of health sciences to tackle the shortage of medical professionals and improve healthcare manpower. This move directly addressed Nigeria’s critical doctor-to-patient ratio challenge.

✅ Colleges of Education & Polytechnics: New colleges of education and polytechnics were established to strengthen teacher education and technical skills training, thereby aligning with the administration’s commitment to job creation and skills development.

📌 Impact:

  • Expanded tertiary education access to previously underserved areas.

  • Created thousands of academic and non-academic jobs.

  • Improved training of teachers, doctors, engineers, and agricultural experts, directly contributing to Nigeria’s human capital growth.

The government significantly expanded the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, ensuring that millions of Nigerian children, regardless of background, gained access to free and compulsory basic education.

✅ Increased Enrollment: Over 10 million children were enrolled in primary and junior secondary schools nationwide, drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children.

✅ Infrastructure Development: Thousands of new classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities were constructed and renovated across rural and urban areas to accommodate the growing population of learners.

✅ Teacher Recruitment: More than 250,000 new teachers were employed and trained, strengthening the quality of instruction and addressing teacher shortages in underserved areas.

✅ Community Empowerment through Jobs: The programme generated over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, including teaching positions, construction work, school management, and supply of learning materials.

✅ Digital Learning Initiatives: Smart classrooms and ICT integration were introduced in selected schools to prepare students for the modern knowledge economy.

The government prioritized education sector staffing by recruiting teachers through both the N-Power and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) initiatives.

✅ N-Power Teachers (N-Teach): Thousands of young graduates were deployed to primary and secondary schools across the country, bridging teacher shortages and giving fresh graduates employment opportunities.

✅ SUBEB Recruitment: State governments, through SUBEB, hired qualified teachers in rural and underserved communities to ensure equitable access to quality education.

✅ Job Creation: The recruitment exercises created over 500,000 direct jobs for Nigerian youths, with ripple effects on local economies.

✅ Capacity Building: Recruited teachers underwent training in modern teaching methods, classroom management, and ICT-based education tools, improving learning outcomes for students.

✅ Impact on Learning: The presence of more teachers reduced pupil–teacher ratios, improved supervision, and enhanced the quality of basic education delivery nationwide.

The Homegrown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) was introduced as a flagship initiative to improve child nutrition, boost school enrollment, and support local agriculture.

✅ Daily Nutritious Meals: Over 9 million pupils in public primary schools received one free balanced meal every school day.

✅ Increased Enrollment & Attendance: The promise of daily meals encouraged parents to enroll their children, significantly reducing the number of out-of-school children.

✅ Nutritional Impact: Pupils benefitted from improved health, better concentration, and enhanced learning capacity due to access to protein-rich and balanced meals.

✅ Support for Local Farmers: Food items were sourced locally, creating a steady market for smallholder farmers, thereby strengthening rural economies.

✅ Employment Creation: More than 100,000 cooks and food vendors were engaged, generating jobs across communities.

✅ Community Development: The program fostered stronger ties between schools, local farmers, and women entrepreneurs, contributing to grassroots economic empowerment.

The administration gave special attention to strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This intervention fund was used to upgrade infrastructure, promote research, and enhance academic standards across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

Through TETFund support, numerous lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and ICT facilities were constructed and renovated, providing a more conducive learning environment for students. Scholarships and academic training programs were also sponsored for lecturers to pursue postgraduate degrees locally and abroad, thereby improving the quality of teaching and research.

In addition, TETFund played a vital role in funding groundbreaking research projects that addressed national development challenges, ensuring that Nigerian higher institutions became not just centers of learning, but also hubs of innovation and problem-solving.

This revitalization helped boost the global ranking of Nigerian universities, improved student enrollment, and contributed to the production of a highly skilled workforce to drive the country’s economic growth.

A key achievement of the administration was the significant increase in student enrollment at the basic and secondary education levels, coupled with a steady decline in the number of out-of-school children across the country. This was made possible through a combination of policies and programs aimed at removing barriers to education, particularly for children from poor and vulnerable households.

The Homegrown School Feeding Program provided free, nutritious meals to millions of pupils daily, which encouraged parents to send their children to school and improved classroom attendance. Similarly, the expansion of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme ensured free and compulsory basic education, while the recruitment of thousands of teachers and the construction of classrooms under UBE grants created more space and better learning conditions.

Special interventions were also targeted at girls’ education, Almajiri children, and children in conflict-affected areas in the North-East, ensuring that more of them had access to formal schooling. In collaboration with state governments and development partners, awareness campaigns and community mobilization programs were launched to sensitize parents and communities on the importance of education.

As a result of these combined efforts, millions of children were enrolled into schools, drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children and aligning Nigeria closer to the global goal of inclusive and equitable education for all.

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the government implemented the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as provided in the National Health Act (2014). By setting aside 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) every year, the initiative guaranteed a steady flow of funds to strengthen Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across the country.

Through this achievement, millions of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable, gained access to essential health services such as:

  • Free or highly subsidized maternal and child health care

  • Immunization and family planning services

  • Treatment for common illnesses and emergency care

The BHCPF also supported:

  • Direct funding to PHCs for improved service delivery

  • Upgrading of health facilities and equipment

  • Regular supply of essential drugs

  • Training and capacity building for frontline health workers

  • Expansion of health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations

This landmark initiative reduced out-of-pocket expenses for families and brought Nigeria significantly closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) — ensuring that no citizen is denied basic healthcare because of financial barriers.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration recorded major achievements in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through massive upgrading and equipping of federal hospitals and health centers. More than 200 infrastructure projects and close to 180 modern medical equipment were delivered across the six geopolitical zones, leading to millions of outpatient and inpatient services in federal tertiary hospitals. Specialized cancer and diagnostic centers were established in Lagos, Kano, Umuahia, Maiduguri, and Abuja, equipped with advanced machines that reduced the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment.

At the grassroots level, about 1,400 primary health care centers were revitalized and equipped, with plans to scale up to 17,000 centers nationwide. This was supported by significant federal funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and special grants to states, ensuring affordable services in rural communities. The recruitment of over 2,400 new doctors, nurses, and midwives, together with the training of more than 120,000 frontline health workers, expanded service delivery and created new employment opportunities across the sector.

To improve emergency care, the administration launched the National Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Scheme, the first of its kind in Nigeria, providing free ambulance and pre-hospital services for urgent cases. These combined efforts not only improved healthcare delivery but also strengthened maternal and child health, reduced poverty through job creation, and ensured that millions of Nigerians now have greater access to quality medical care.

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari made remarkable progress in the water sector by completing 41 major water supply projects across the country. These projects provided safe and clean drinking water to over 30 million Nigerians, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. Access to clean water reduced the prevalence of water-borne diseases, improved sanitation, and strengthened public health.

In addition, 12 new dams were constructed in strategic locations, creating irrigation opportunities for more than 100,000 farmers, supporting livestock production, and enabling year-round farming. The dams also opened new prospects for small-scale hydro-power, aquaculture, and community water schemes. Altogether, these water infrastructure projects generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, technicians, farmers, and local workers, while at the same time boosting food security and local economies.

By expanding water supply, irrigation, and dam infrastructure, the Buhari administration not only improved the living standards of millions of Nigerians but also laid a strong foundation for agricultural growth, poverty reduction, and long-term sustainable development.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration invested significantly in the rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation systems across the country, reviving large-scale irrigation schemes and restoring farmlands that had been neglected for years. These efforts opened up thousands of hectares for all-year farming, boosting food production and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports.

Through these rehabilitated irrigation networks, farmers gained access to reliable water sources for rice, wheat, maize, and vegetable cultivation. This not only increased crop yields and enhanced food security but also empowered local farming communities with sustainable livelihoods.

Importantly, the rehabilitation projects directly created over 57,000 jobs for farmers, engineers, and support staff, while also generating many more indirect opportunities in agro-processing, marketing, and transportation. By revitalizing irrigation systems, the administration strengthened rural economies, reduced poverty, and ensured that agriculture remained a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.

President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurates the state-of-the-art Comprehensive Special School in Lafia, providing inclusive education opportunities for visually and physically challenged children.

🛡️ ANTI-CORRUPTION & GOOD GOVERNANCE

One of the cornerstones of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency was his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and restoring transparency in Nigeria’s public institutions. From the very first day in office, President Buhari made it clear that accountability would be at the heart of his administration. He empowered anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, pushed for the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and recovered billions of naira looted from public coffers.

Under his leadership, Nigeria saw renewed efforts to block leakages in public spending. Ghost workers were removed from the payroll, and leakages in ministries and parastatals were reduced significantly. The whistleblower policy, launched under his administration, led to massive cash recoveries from hidden government funds both locally and abroad.

Buhari’s administration also signed onto global anti-corruption platforms and worked with international partners to track and return stolen assets. Though critics argued the anti-corruption drive was selective, no one can deny that it reshaped public discourse around transparency and governance in Nigeria./

✅Key Achievements

Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) nationwide

The Treasury Single Account (TSA) was fully implemented nationwide under President Muhammadu Buhari as part of his administration’s reforms to promote transparency and accountability in public finance. By directing all government revenues and payments into a single account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the TSA eliminated the widespread practice of maintaining multiple bank accounts across ministries, departments, and agencies. This reform blocked leakages, reduced corruption, and curbed financial mismanagement, as it became more difficult for government officials to divert or conceal funds. The policy also improved the monitoring of revenue inflows, enhanced efficiency in government expenditure, and helped the Federal Government save trillions of naira that would otherwise have been lost through hidden or idle accounts. Although the TSA created challenges for some MDAs that were used to retaining funds independently, and also faced initial resistance from stakeholders benefiting from the old system, it stands as one of Buhari’s most notable achievements in fiscal discipline and public sector financial management.

One of the major achievements was the strengthening of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). By giving them more independence and support, they were able to investigate and prosecute corrupt officials and institutions without much interference.

This helped to reduce corruption, since public servants and politicians became more careful with how they handled government funds, knowing there was greater accountability. With less corruption, more public money could be directed into real development projects like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, which directly helps to reduce poverty.

In addition, the reforms created job opportunities in different ways. First, both EFCC and ICPC expanded their workforce by employing more investigators, lawyers, and support staff. Secondly, when corruption is reduced, businesses feel safer to invest in the country, which opens up more jobs in industries like banking, construction, and trade.

The importance of this achievement remains clear even today and in the future: a stronger EFCC and ICPC mean a more transparent Nigeria, better international reputation, more foreign investment, and ultimately, improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.

ChatGPT said:

The whistleblower policy introduced during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration became one of the most effective anti-corruption tools in Nigeria’s history. Under this initiative, ordinary citizens were encouraged to report hidden or stolen government funds, with the assurance of protection and a percentage reward from any recovered assets. This policy not only strengthened transparency but also gave people a sense of responsibility in the fight against corruption.

One of the most notable successes of the policy was the discovery of the Ikoyi apartment cash haul in Lagos in 2017, where over $43 million, ₦23 million, and £27,000 were uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This single case became a symbol of how corruption had deeply eaten into public institutions, but it also showed how determined the government was in recovering stolen wealth. The recovery of such massive hidden funds meant that resources which would have been lost could now be redirected into national development, poverty alleviation programs, and provision of basic amenities.

Beyond financial recoveries, the whistleblower policy also served as a deterrent to corrupt practices. Public officials became more cautious, knowing that anyone could report suspicious activities. This indirectly reduced the level of embezzlement and misuse of public funds. Additionally, the policy created opportunities for job openings within anti-corruption agencies such as EFCC and ICPC, as more manpower was needed to verify tips, conduct investigations, and manage recovered assets.

In the long run, the whistleblower policy contributed to reducing poverty and inequality by ensuring that looted funds were traced back into the economy. When corruption is reduced, more money becomes available for building schools, hospitals, roads, and creating employment opportunities. The Ikoyi discovery, in particular, remains a striking example of how strong anti-corruption measures can yield tangible results that benefit both the present and future

 
 

During President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, one of the most effective reforms undertaken was the elimination of ‘ghost workers’—non-existent employees whose salaries were fraudulently collected from government payrolls. This initiative was driven by the enforcement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which dramatically reduced the number of fraudulent entries across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. As a result, over 50,000 ghost workers were removed, leading to monthly savings of approximately ₦13 billion on salaries and a further ₦1.1 billion on pensions. That amounts to about ₦200 billion conserved in a single year due to cost reduction and stoppage of fraud. Additionally, cumulative estimates suggest that ₦220 billion was saved over a broader period through IPPIS, and more than ₦10 trillion was safeguarded with the successful deployment of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

These savings liberated substantial government funds to be redirected toward national development—boosting infrastructure, social welfare, and poverty alleviation efforts. The removal of ghost workers also cleared space for legitimate recruitment, thereby creating job opportunities for real Nigerians. The broader impact included enhanced public trust in government systems, streamlined budgeting, and a culture of accountability that continues to benefit Nigeria now and into the future.

ChatGPT said:

Under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the prosecution of top public officials, including former governors and ministers, marked a bold step in the fight against corruption and abuse of public office. For many years in Nigeria, high-ranking officials often enjoyed immunity and impunity, mismanaging public resources without facing justice. By ensuring that even powerful individuals were investigated and taken to court, Buhari’s government sent a strong message that no one was above the law.

This approach not only helped to restore public trust in the justice system but also acted as a deterrent for current and future leaders, discouraging them from looting public funds. The trials of influential figures also helped to recover looted assets, some of which were channeled back into developmental projects that created jobs and provided basic services. By holding leaders accountable, the administration worked towards reducing systemic corruption, which in turn supported poverty reduction by ensuring more resources were available for the people rather than being diverted into private pockets.

In the long term, the prosecution of these top officials contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions, encouraging transparency, and building a foundation for future governments to continue the fight against corruption more effectively. It gave ordinary citizens hope that accountability was possible and that leadership positions could no longer be treated as a gateway to unchecked personal wealth.

One of the significant achievements of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was forging partnerships with international governments to trace, seize, and return stolen Nigerian assets stashed abroad. For decades, corrupt leaders and public officials looted billions of dollars from Nigeria’s treasury and hid the funds in foreign banks, properties, and shell companies. This not only weakened Nigeria’s economy but also deprived citizens of resources that could have been used for development.

Under Buhari, Nigeria strengthened diplomatic ties with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and several others, leading to the signing of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) and agreements specifically targeted at asset recovery.

Through these partnerships, Nigeria successfully secured the return of hundreds of millions of dollars, such as the $322 million Abacha loot repatriated from Switzerland in 2018, which was later directed into social investment programs like the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) to support poor and vulnerable households. Similarly, the government worked with the U.S. and the U.K. to recover more Abacha-era looted funds, including the $311 million returned from the U.S. and Jersey in 2020.

These collaborations also helped in tracking suspicious assets, freezing illicit accounts, and creating frameworks to prevent corrupt Nigerian officials from easily laundering stolen wealth abroad. Buhari’s administration made asset recovery not just a legal effort but also a diplomatic priority, showing the world that Nigeria was serious about combating corruption beyond its borders.

 

 

Nigeria’s ranking improved in global transparency indexes as a result of sustained anti-corruption reforms, strict financial monitoring, and enforcement of accountability in both public and private sectors. This improvement reflects increased international confidence in Nigeria’s governance system and a recognition of the progress made in curbing corrupt practices. With better transparency, foreign investors are more encouraged to bring in capital, which strengthens the economy and creates job opportunities for citizens.

The improvement also helps in reducing poverty because funds that were previously lost to corruption are now redirected to social welfare programs, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. It boosts the credibility of Nigeria on the global stage, allowing the country to access international partnerships, grants, and development loans on more favorable terms. In the long run, higher transparency rankings build a culture of accountability, discourage misuse of public funds, and create a more just and equitable society where resources are used to improve people’s lives rather than enrich a few individuals.

ChatGPT said:

Under Buhari’s administration, Nigeria introduced digital platforms that allowed citizens to directly monitor how government funds were being allocated and spent. This step increased budget transparency and reduced avenues for corruption, since the public could track projects and expenditures in real time. By making budget information open and accessible, it discouraged misuse of public funds and encouraged accountability among government officials.

This transparency also helped in reducing poverty, as funds meant for social welfare programs, infrastructure, and education were more likely to reach their intended targets rather than being diverted. It created an environment of trust between government and citizens, while also opening opportunities for civic tech jobs and partnerships with innovators who developed digital monitoring tools.

President Buhari led the most determined anti-corruption war in modern Nigerian history…

Energy and Security Development

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration made landmark progress in both energy expansion and national security. In the power sector, several electricity projects were completed, adding generation capacity and strengthening the national grid. More than 100 transmission and distribution projects were executed, improving supply to millions of Nigerians. Through the Rural Electrification Agency, thousands of solar home systems and mini-grids were deployed, lighting up over 500 communities and benefiting schools, markets, and healthcare centers. These initiatives created thousands of jobs for young engineers, technicians, and local entrepreneurs while reducing poverty by supporting small businesses and improving rural livelihoods.

On security, the administration undertook one of the largest investments in Nigeria’s defense sector. Over 60 new naval vessels, dozens of modern aircraft including Super Tucano fighter jets, and advanced surveillance systems were procured to strengthen the fight against insurgency, piracy, and banditry. Recruitment drives across the armed forces, police, and paramilitary services provided over 30,000 new security jobs, improving presence in local communities and boosting national safety. These efforts not only enhanced peace and stability but also allowed farmers, traders, and investors to operate more freely, stimulating economic growth in previously insecure areas.

By expanding energy access and reinforcing national security, the administration reduced poverty, created employment, improved quality of life, and laid the foundation for sustainable economic development across the country.

✅Key Achievements

Power transmission projects

Between 2015 and 2022, President Buhari’s administration completed 105 power transformer and substation projects, adding a substantial 6,216 MVA to Nigeria’s national grid. This transformation reshaped the power sector from heavy subsidy spending toward real infrastructure growth, significantly enhancing stability and reliability.

These upgrades included major facilities such as the 150 MVA 330/132 kV transformers at Ughelli (Delta), Lafia (Nasarawa), Ayade, and Dawaki/Gwarinpa (FCT), among others.The administration also completed 900 km of reconductored lines and built important high-voltage transmission corridors like Aloji–Ikot Ekpene, Gombe–Damaturu, Birnin Kebbi–Sokoto, and more.

To fund these grid enhancements, the Buhari government secured over $1.7 billion in development finance between 2015 and 2021—from sources including the World Bank, AfDB, AFD, JICA, and more. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria funded a $250 million intervention for critical transmission-distribution link upgrades. A signature effort—the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with Siemens—commenced in 2020 and included the pre-engineering phase funding and equipment awards (10 Mega Transformers, 10 substations), targeting 127 individual grid projects. By early 2022, 135 grid infrastructure projects were ongoing (lines, substations), with 30 substations and 12 transmission lines completed.

These investments delivered more than just hardware—they created thousands of direct jobs for engineers and technicians, and countless indirect opportunities for local contractors, transporters, and suppliers. As power supply became more dependable across states like Delta, Kebbi, Kano, and the FCT, small businesses—from welding shops to agro-processing units—flourished, lifting incomes and reducing poverty in many communities. Additionally, industrial productivity improved since generation could be reliably evacuated and delivered, boosting investor confidence and economic activity.

From 2020 to 2025, under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and Solar Power Naija initiative led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), over 130 solar mini-grid projects were completed, providing clean, reliable electricity to more than 7.5 million people across rural and underserved areas. This included 1.3 million solar home systems and installations of solar street lights across 1,650 km of rural roads.

The deployment of more than 100 solar mini-grids under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) component of NEP connected over 46,600 homes, businesses, and public facilities, impacting 230,000 Nigerians with 5.8 MW of added solar capacity. Specifically, a landmark hybrid mini-grid in Toto, Nasarawa State, commissioned in November 2023, powers over 2,800 households, 141 commercial users, 18 productive outfits, and 45 public institutions, reducing annual carbon emissions by roughly 1,920 MT CO₂e.

Further advancing rural electrification, a 550 kWp solar hybrid mini-grid was commissioned in early 2025 in Plateau State, providing cleaner energy to 3,500 households and businesses in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities. This project alone is estimated to reduce emissions by 600 tons of CO₂ per year.

Altogether, these solar mini-grid initiatives:

  • Created over 500,000 jobs, spanning installation, maintenance, supply chains, and administration.

  • Benefited 1.5 million households and delivered over 500 MW of total power, drawing more than $2 billion in renewable energy investment.

  • Supported small-scale agriculture, education, and local entrepreneurship through reliable and affordable energy access.

  • Contributed to Nigeria’s energy transition, reducing reliance on diesel generators and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Between 2020 and 2023, under the Federal Government’s National Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) and Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), the REA deployed electricity solutions across approximately 200 primary health centres (PHCs) and 104 Unity Schools nationwide.This effort was implemented rapidly—many installations were completed within just 12 months—ensuring timely impact.

In the health sector, 100 PHCs have been equipped with containerized solar hybrid systems, each with a capacity of 50 kW, powered by the World Bank–funded NEP. These systems enable cold storage for vaccines and medical supplies, and operate essential medical equipment with reliability. Another 400 PHCs are set for future upgrades under the scheme

Beyond healthcare, the partnership extended to 200 PHCs and 104 Unity Schools, bringing reliable solar electricity to classrooms and dorms, improving both learning environments and campus security with better lighting. Downtown, these installations supported lifesaving healthcare services and fostered resilience during the COVID-19 response.

    • Key Benefits:

      • Enabled medical refrigerators, incubators, lighting, and safe vaccine storage in off-grid health centres

      • Transformed school environments, reducing student dropouts and improving security with evening lighting

      • Cut operational costs by replacing diesel generators, saving funds for healthcare and education

      • Created jobs for technicians and local installers, while strengthening infrastructure in underserved communities

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration made significant strides in creating jobs across Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape. A landmark Energy Transition Plan, launched in August 2022, projected the creation of 340,000 jobs by 2030 and a remarkable 840,000 jobs by 2060, as Nigeria moved decisively toward renewable energy, clean cooking, power, transport, and industrial decarbonisation.

More immediately, the National Mass Metering Programme, introduced in August 2020 with ₦200 billion funding from the Central Bank of Nigeria, spearheaded the rollout of over 1 million electricity meters in its first phase. This initiative alone generated over 10,000 new jobs in meter manufacturing, assembly, and installation. To support this, 41 meter factories were established nationwide.

In the off-grid and renewable energy space, the Solar Power Naija (SPN) programme—launched in April 2021—was designed to deliver 5 million solar home systems, impacting over 25 million Nigerians. This initiative included a ₦7 billion commitment from the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET/NDPHC) and ₦10 billion from NSIA, spurring local solar production and creating thousands of new jobs across manufacturing and distribution sectors.

Through the combination of long-term transformation via the Energy Transition Plan, immediate job creation from metering, and off-grid solar expansion, the Buhari administration not only boosted employment in the energy sector—but also laid the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

In 2018, Nigeria’s Federal Government signed a landmark Foreign Military Sales deal worth nearly $500 million, marking the largest arms procurement in sub-Saharan Africa. The agreement covered the purchase of 12 A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft, along with training, spare parts, munitions, and long-term logistics support.

By July 2021, the first batch of six Super Tucanos departed for Nigeria, arriving later that month, and were officially inducted into the Nigerian Air Force in August 2021. The remaining six jets were delivered by September 29, 2021, completing the fleet.

Beyond aircraft delivery, the package included an extensive infrastructure upgrade at Kainji Air Base, executed between 2022 and 2023. The U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a $38 million construction project featuring modernized hangars, simulated training facilities, munitions storage bunkers, taxiways, sunshades, security perimeter fencing, and mission-planning suites.

Impact Summary:

  • Fleet Strengthening: Added 12 highly-capable light-attack and surveillance aircraft to Nigeria’s defense arsenal.

  • Operational Readiness: Improved national capacity for counter-insurgency, surveillance, and precision strikes.

  • Infrastructure Upgrade: Full base modernization supporting aircraft deployment and maintenance.

  • Employment & Capacity Building: Tons of indirect job opportunities in construction, logistics, defense support, and domestic security.

  • Security Outcomes: Boosted ability to respond effectively to insurgency, banditry, and regional instability.

This achievement clearly elevated Nigeria’s aerial defense capabilities while delivering measurable infrastructure upgrades and enhancing national security readiness.

During President Buhari’s eight-year tenure (2015–2023), the Nigerian Navy significantly strengthened its maritime capabilities, acquiring 20 capital ships—including Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transports, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, and helicopters—alongside over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault craft.

These acquisitions were highlighted during the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review, themed “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity”, where two newly built ships and a locally made helicopter were officially commissioned. The fleet recapitalization drove efforts to combat piracy, illegal bunkering, and drug trafficking, contributing to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy-prone list in March 2022.

A notable achievement was the commissioning of NNS Oji in December 2021, the third seaward defense boat built indigenously by Nigerian naval engineers. Earlier, in 2016, NNS Andoni and NNS Karaduwa had also been locally constructed and commissioned, marking consistent progress in Nigeria’s shipbuilding capacity.

These maritime investments enhanced security across Nigeria’s territorial waters, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, supporting economic activity and national stability. Maritime infrastructure and local shipbuilding initiated opportunities for skilled labor and technical expertise—expanding jobs in naval engineering, construction, logistics, and maritime operations.

Between 2016 and 2018, the Buhari administration successfully recruited 19,000 paramilitary personnel—including members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Fire Service, and other agencies—to strengthen internal security with increased manpower and efficiency. This initiative was fully completed without any recruitment-related incidents, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and institutional reform.

Complementing this, over a four-year period up to 2022, the Federal Government recruited 40,000 additional police officers to address long-standing manpower shortages and bolster public safety. The effort was supported by the passage of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund Act and the Nigerian Police Regulatory Bill 2020, along with improved salaries and allowances—raising morale and enhancing policing effectiveness.

Impact Highlights:

  • Tangible Security Boost: More boots on the ground across communities enhanced visibility, deterrence, and rapid response—particularly in crime- and insurgency-prone areas.

  • Community Empowerment: Local representation grew, enabling better trust building, intelligence gathering, and collaborative policing.

  • Economic & Social Benefits: Jobs provided for thousands of young Nigerians, helping reduce poverty, and offering stable careers in public service.

  • Institutional Strengthening: The additions to manpower permitted more focused deployment and specialization within the police and paramilitary services, supporting larger reforms and operational enhancements.

Between 2019 and 2023, the Buhari administration embarked on a strategic upgrade of Nigeria’s surveillance capabilities, deploying advanced monitoring infrastructure and communication platforms to bolster national security.

In March 2019, President Buhari commissioned Kaduna State’s first Command and Control Centre, featuring aerial surveillance with drones and high-resolution cameras—a landmark project costing approximately ₦1.24 billion. The system dramatically improved crime detection and response across Kaduna by offering real-time mapping, nighttime monitoring, and emergency alerts via toll-free reporting lines.

Building on this, in May 2023, the administration unveiled the Giwa-2 Project, a state-of-the-art, secure defence communications infrastructure. This system delivers real-time audio, video, and data exchange—enabling seamless collaboration between the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and other security services, thus revolutionizing crisis response and operational cohesion

Simultaneously, directives were issued to partner with state governments to install CCTV systems along highways and critical locations, and to approve drone use for monitoring forests and suspected criminal hideouts. These technologies aimed to expose hidden criminal activity, especially in remote areas, enhancing early detection and deterrence

Impact Summary:

  • Strategic Security Boost: Enabled real-time surveillance and rapid response operations in multiple states.

  • Crime Reduction: Improved crime mapping and prevention through drone patrols and live camera feeds.

  • Inter-Agency Coordination: Giwa-2 facilitated seamless, secure communication across security agencies.

  • Jobs & Local Tech Use: Generated employment in surveillance installation, system maintenance, and operations.

  • Poverty & Economic Benefits: Enhanced security stabilizes communities, protects businesses, and allows economic activities to flourish.

Between 2019 and 2023, the Buhari administration actively promoted unity and synergy among Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies. In 2021, a National Security Needs Assessment Committee was established—chaired by the Vice President and inclusive of the military, police, DSS, and other critical agencies—to evaluate security gaps and propose strategic interventions. This led to the approval of a significant ₦802 billion supplementary budget to strengthen inter-agency operations and infrastructure.

President Buhari consistently emphasized the importance of joint operations and intelligence-sharing. In 2020, he formally instructed the armed forces, police, and all security services to embrace a “whole-of-government” approach, breaking down long-standing institutional silos and fostering cooperation at all levels.

This strategic coordination yielded clear results—by reducing resource duplication, streamlining response protocols, and enhancing real-time information flow among the agencies. Notably, heightened collaboration among customs, immigration, and military forces in border regions significantly reduced smuggling and trans-border crime, particularly in areas like Katsina State.

Impact Highlights:

  • Boosted operational efficiency with pooled intelligence and agency coordination.

  • Enabled effective multi-agency security responses across borders and internal conflict zones.

  • Strengthened funding and logistical backing resulted in more robust security infrastructure.

  • Indirectly supported local economies and markets as improved national security reduced crime and encouraged trade.

President Muhammadu Buhari at the commissioning of a major power transmission project, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to expand electricity access across Nigeria

🏗️ Infrastructural & Economic Transformation

President Muhammadu Buhari transformed Nigeria’s development landscape by investing heavily in infrastructure and economic reform. His administration understood that no nation could prosper without good roads, stable electricity, modern railways, and efficient ports. That’s why his government launched major national programmes such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). These initiatives focused on reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil, diversifying the economy, and building the essential infrastructure needed for growth.

His government embarked on the most ambitious infrastructure drive in Nigeria’s recent history — completing and commissioning roads, bridges, airports, rail lines, power plants, and more across all geopolitical zones. This massive push boosted local industries, attracted investors, created jobs, and connected communities. From rural highways to international airports, Buhari’s administration laid the foundation for long-term economic stability and growth.

✅Key Achievements

Second Niger Bridge (Onitsha–Asaba)

One of the landmark infrastructure achievements was the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, linking Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State. For decades, the idea of building a second bridge across the Niger River remained only on paper, with successive governments making promises but failing to deliver. The Buhari administration broke this jinx by prioritizing and completing the project.

The bridge is a 1.6-kilometer-long structure with a total length of 11.9 kilometers, including approach roads. It serves as a critical link between the South-East and South-South regions and connects to the western corridor of Nigeria, boosting economic activities and trade across regions.

The bridge eases the chronic traffic congestion on the old Niger Bridge, especially during festive seasons when thousands of travelers cross daily. It has improved travel time, enhanced safety, and reduced the wear and tear on vehicles caused by gridlocks. In addition, the project generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase, stimulating local economies.

The successful delivery of the Second Niger Bridge demonstrated the administration’s resolve to tackle longstanding infrastructure bottlenecks and leave behind projects with enduring national value.

The Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway stands as one of the most transformative transportation projects delivered under the Buhari administration. It is the first double-track standard gauge railway in West Africa and forms a vital segment of the Lagos–Kano railway modernization project.

Stretching 156 kilometers, the railway connects Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, to Ibadan in Oyo State, with intermediate stations at Agege, Abeokuta, and several other key locations. The project was flagged off in 2017, and by 2021 it was fully commissioned for commercial operations. This modern rail line has drastically reduced travel time between Lagos and Ibadan from over 4 hours by road to less than 2 hours by train.

Equipped with modern passenger coaches and freight services, the railway has enhanced the movement of goods and people, decongested roads, and reduced accidents caused by heavy vehicular traffic along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway. For industries, particularly those within the Apapa Port axis, it provides a reliable link for moving cargo directly from the port to inland destinations, thus improving efficiency in Nigeria’s logistics chain.

Beyond its economic value, the railway has contributed to job creation during its construction and continues to generate employment in its operation and maintenance. It also demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to modern transport infrastructure that meets international standards.

The Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway is not only a flagship transport project but also a symbol of Nigeria’s gradual shift towards modern railway infrastructure after decades of neglect in the sector.

The Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, stretching 375 kilometers, is one of the most strategic highways in Nigeria, linking the Federal Capital Territory to the major commercial and population centers of the North. Under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the long-neglected road was awarded for comprehensive reconstruction and expansion to the engineering giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

The project was valued at approximately ₦155 billion (about $870 million) and was divided into three main sections—Abuja to Kaduna, Kaduna to Zaria, and Zaria to Kano—to allow for phased delivery and ease of execution. This approach ensured that portions of the road could be opened progressively for public use even while construction continued.

The reconstruction addressed the severe deterioration of the highway, which had resulted in frequent accidents, insecurity concerns, and significant delays in the movement of goods and passengers. By modernizing and expanding the road, the government aimed to enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and improve connectivity between Abuja and key northern states.

Upon completion, the expressway will significantly boost economic integration, trade, and agriculture by facilitating smoother movement of produce and goods. It also generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs during construction and is projected to lower vehicle operating costs for millions of Nigerians who rely on the route daily.

This project remains one of the largest road infrastructure undertakings in Nigeria’s history and stands as a landmark achievement of the Buhari administration’s focus on nationwide infrastructure renewal.

The Itakpe–Warri Railway Line, a project that had been abandoned for over 30 years, was finally completed and commissioned under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. This railway line stretches for 327 kilometers and connects Itakpe in Kogi State to Warri in Delta State, with several stops across key towns and communities.

The line was originally conceived in the 1980s to facilitate the transportation of iron ore from Itakpe to the steel plants in Ajaokuta and Aladja, as well as to boost passenger and cargo movement across the region. However, due to neglect, corruption, and lack of political will, the project was stalled for decades.

Under Buhari’s leadership, the Federal Government prioritized its completion as part of the larger vision of revitalizing Nigeria’s railway system. The project was fully revived, completed, and inaugurated in 2020, marking the first standard gauge railway to run across central and southern Nigeria.

Today, the Itakpe–Warri Railway provides:

  • Affordable transportation for thousands of passengers.

  • Efficient cargo movement, especially minerals and goods, between central and southern Nigeria.

  • A major boost to industrialization, particularly for the steel sector.

  • Strengthened economic integration across states in the North-Central and South-South regions.

This achievement demonstrated Buhari’s commitment to breaking the cycle of abandoned projects in Nigeria and ensuring that critical infrastructure is delivered to the people.

The Buhari administration prioritized the completion of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Africa. With a planned capacity of 700 megawatts, the project is expected to add about 10% more electricity to Nigeria’s national grid.

The project, which had been abandoned for decades due to funding and security challenges, was revived under Buhari through innovative financing arrangements, including the use of a Chinese loan facility and counterpart funding by the Federal Government.

Upon completion, the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant not only boosts electricity supply but also provides job opportunities, supports irrigation projects, and reduces Nigeria’s dependence on costly thermal power generation. It represents a major milestone in Buhari’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s power infrastructure for sustainable economic growth.

For over four decades, the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State remained only on paper, stalled by political bottlenecks, funding problems, and lack of commitment. However, under President Muhammadu Buhari, significant steps were taken to finally bring the project to life.

The project, designed to generate 3,050 megawatts (MW) of electricity, is regarded as Nigeria’s biggest power project and one of the largest in Africa. When completed, it will drastically improve the country’s power generation capacity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide electricity to millions of homes and industries.

Buhari’s administration facilitated the kick-off of the project by securing agreements with Chinese contractors and funding partners, resolving long-standing disputes, and setting timelines for execution. This bold move broke the cycle of repeated delays that had lasted since the project was first conceived in the 1970s.

The revival of the Mambilla Power Project under Buhari stands as a historic achievement—marking the first time in 40 years that the dream of tapping into the hydroelectric potential of the Mambilla Plateau was set firmly in motion.

In 2018, the administration launched the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), a special initiative managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), to ensure sustainable funding for key infrastructure projects that were critical to national growth but had been stalled for decades due to poor financing structures, corruption, or political interference.

The PIDF provided ring-fenced financing for large-scale projects without the risk of budgetary delays. Through this initiative, projects like the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway received steady funding, enabling faster progress and ensuring transparency in execution.

The creation of the PIDF was a landmark reform because it shifted Nigeria’s infrastructure financing model from over-dependence on annual budgets and external borrowing to a long-term, sustainable, and transparent investment framework. This innovation also boosted investor confidence and signaled a strong commitment to infrastructure delivery.

Impact: The PIDF not only fast-tracked some of Nigeria’s most strategic transport and energy projects but also laid the foundation for a more resilient national infrastructure financing mechanism that future governments could build upon.

The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) was one of the major achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Launched in 2017 to run through 2020, it was designed to rescue Nigeria from the 2016 recession and set the economy on a path of sustainable growth. The ERGP succeeded in pulling Nigeria out of recession by 2017, stabilized the economy, and laid the foundation for diversified growth beyond oil. Under this plan, the government promoted agriculture, leading to increased local rice production and reduced food imports, encouraged industrialization, and improved infrastructure such as power and transportation. The ERGP also helped in strengthening Nigeria’s foreign reserves, restoring investor confidence, and creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises to grow. By focusing on social investment programs, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, the plan further showed Buhari’s commitment to lifting Nigerians out of poverty and building a self-reliant economy.

One of the remarkable achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was the establishment of the Nigeria Infrastructure Corporation (InfraCorp) in 2021. The corporation was created as a government-owned infrastructure development company with an initial seed capital of ₦1 trillion, jointly provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Its purpose is to catalyze and mobilize private sector investments for the development of critical infrastructure across the country.

Through InfraCorp, the Buhari administration sought to address Nigeria’s long-standing infrastructure deficit in key areas such as transport, power, technology, and industrial zones. By attracting both local and international investors, InfraCorp was structured to raise up to ₦15 trillion for infrastructure projects, thereby reducing government’s financial burden while ensuring sustainability. This institution stands as a lasting legacy of Buhari’s vision to build modern infrastructure, strengthen economic growth, and create millions of jobs for Nigerians.

President Muhammadu Buhari established the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) in 2016, making it the largest and most ambitious social welfare program in Nigeria’s history. The initiative was designed to tackle poverty, empower vulnerable groups, and promote inclusive economic growth. With a direct focus on improving the lives of poor and marginalized Nigerians, the NSIP became a key driver of social protection under Buhari’s administration.

The program was structured into four major components:

  1. N-Power: Provided job opportunities, vocational training, and stipends for hundreds of thousands of young graduates and non-graduates across the country.

  2. Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP): Offered interest-free loans and grants to petty traders, artisans, and small business owners through initiatives like TraderMoni, MarketMoni, and FarmerMoni.

  3. Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP): Delivered free nutritious meals to millions of public primary school pupils daily, boosting enrollment, improving child nutrition, and creating jobs for local farmers and cooks.

  4. Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT): Provided direct financial support to poor and vulnerable households, especially in rural communities, to reduce extreme poverty and promote financial inclusion.

Through NSIP, millions of Nigerians benefited from job creation, business support, and improved welfare, making it one of Buhari’s most impactful legacies in the fight against poverty and unemployment.

President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurating the Lagos-Ibadan Rail (Blue Line), symbolizing Nigeria’s infrastructural revitalization.

🌾 Agricultural Revolution

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration prioritized agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. With declining oil revenues and rising food import bills, Buhari saw agriculture as the sustainable pathway toward food security, job creation, and rural development.

Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed an aggressive push for local food production, mechanized farming, and support for smallholder farmers. His government launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) through the Central Bank of Nigeria to empower farmers with access to credit, fertilizers, and improved seedlings. This initiative alone reached over 4 million farmers, transforming the rice, maize, and cassava value chains and significantly reducing Nigeria’s food importation.

Landmark reforms included the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) to modernize livestock management and reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and the Green Imperative Project to introduce Brazilian-style mechanization into Nigerian agriculture.

Buhari’s policies also revived once-abandoned irrigation and dam projects to ensure year-round farming, while fertilizer production was boosted through the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, in partnership with Morocco. These efforts drastically increased local production, made food more accessible, and created thousands of agro-related jobs nationwide.

The agricultural revolution of the Buhari era set the foundation for Nigeria to become not just self-reliant, but a major agricultural exporter in the long run.

✅ Key Achievements

Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) empowering over 4 million farmers

In a landmark stride toward agricultural transformation and food security, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to empower Nigeria’s smallholder farmers and reduce dependency on food imports. The programme’s impact resonated across the nation and reached a historic peak in January 2022, when President Buhari unveiled Africa’s largest rice pyramids in Abuja, a symbol of Nigeria’s agricultural resurgence.

The massive structure, made up of 13 pyramids and over 1.2 million 100kg bags of rice paddy, was not only a visual spectacle but also a testament to the success of the programme and the dedication of Nigerian farmers. These bags were submitted by beneficiaries as repayment for ABP loans, marking a new model of sustainability in agricultural financing.

Since its launch in 2015, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme has supported over 4.8 million rural farmers across Nigeria, covering 23 key commodities including rice, maize, oil palm, cassava, cotton, and livestock. Through the Central Bank of Nigeria and 23 financial institutions, over ₦1 trillion was injected into the agricultural sector, empowering farmers and building an integrated ecosystem across the value chain.

Under President Buhari’s leadership, rice production in Nigeria rose significantly from less than 4 million metric tons to over 7.5 million metric tons annually, while rice imports from Thailand dropped sharply from hundreds of thousands of tons to just 2,160 metric tons in 2021. The number of standard rice mills expanded from 15 to more than 50, creating jobs and boosting rural economies. Financial institutions also played a vital role, with Unity Bank alone financing 190,000 farmers across 35 states. The iconic rice pyramids that emerged were not merely stacks of grain but powerful symbols of resilience, vision, and the nation’s determination to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

The National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), launched under President Muhammadu Buhari, stands as one of the administration’s most ambitious efforts to address the recurring farmer–herder conflicts, modernize livestock farming, and boost Nigeria’s agricultural productivity. The plan was designed to transition the livestock sector from the old system of open grazing to modern ranching methods, with strong emphasis on security, job creation, and economic growth.

Under Buhari’s leadership, the NLTP was rolled out with the cooperation of state governments, providing a framework for ranch development, pasture production, and improved breeding methods. The administration secured federal and international funding to implement pilot projects across different states, starting with Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kaduna. Through this plan, ranching facilities were established, grazing reserves were improved, and livestock farmers were trained on modern practices to increase productivity.

One of the key achievements of the NLTP was the reduction of violent clashes between farmers and herders in pilot states where the program took effect, thereby improving security and stability in those communities. It also created direct and indirect jobs for thousands of Nigerians through ranch construction, feed production, veterinary services, and value-chain opportunities in meat and dairy processing.

Additionally, the plan strengthened food security by increasing milk and meat production locally, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports. Veterinary health services and disease control campaigns were intensified under the program, which improved livestock quality and reduced losses.

Overall, the NLTP was a major step in modernizing Nigeria’s livestock sector, resolving a decades-long crisis, and laying the foundation for a more peaceful and economically productive agricultural system. It was one of Buhari’s bold responses to a sensitive national issue, combining security, modernization, and economic empowerment in one policy framework.

The revival of 17 major irrigation and dam projects across Nigeria stands as one of the landmark achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the area of agriculture, water resources, and rural development. For decades, many irrigation facilities and dam projects in Nigeria had been abandoned, underutilized, or left in disrepair due to neglect, corruption, or poor policy direction. Recognizing that agriculture and food security are the backbone of national development, Buhari’s government embarked on reviving and completing these critical infrastructures to boost food production, ensure water supply, and enhance rural livelihoods.

Through this initiative, large irrigation schemes such as those at Bakolori, Zobe, Tiga, Kano River, Hadejia Valley, Dadin Kowa, Oyan, and others were rehabilitated or reactivated, creating an enabling environment for year-round farming rather than relying solely on rain-fed agriculture. This revival expanded irrigable land across different states, giving farmers access to over 100,000 additional hectares of farmland for rice, wheat, maize, vegetables, and other essential crops.

The impact was transformative. With the functional irrigation and dam systems, Nigeria experienced a significant boost in rice and wheat cultivation, contributing directly to the sharp increase in local production that reduced import dependence. Thousands of farmers benefited from affordable and reliable water access, which improved productivity and incomes. Moreover, the resuscitated dams also enhanced rural electrification through mini-hydro power generation, improved fishing activities, provided potable water for communities, and contributed to environmental sustainability by controlling flooding and desert encroachment in some regions.

By reviving 17 key irrigation and dam projects nationwide, Buhari’s government not only gave life back to neglected national assets but also reinforced his broader vision of achieving food security, diversifying the economy away from oil dependence, and improving the standard of living for millions of Nigerians. This achievement remains one of the most practical demonstrations of his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural and water resources sectors.

The Green Imperative Program introduced under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was one of the boldest moves to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector by shifting from subsistence farming to mechanized agriculture. This program was a $1.2 billion agricultural mechanization initiative in partnership with the Brazilian government and Deutsche Bank, designed to supply 10,000 units of tractors and over 50,000 pieces of assorted agricultural equipment to farming communities across Nigeria. Through this program, service centers were to be established in 774 Local Government Areas, giving farmers access to modern tools without needing to buy them outright, thereby making mechanization affordable and widespread.

The Green Imperative also targeted capacity building and technology transfer, with plans to train over 100,000 extension workers and technicians in Brazil and Nigeria to ensure sustainability. This program was expected to create over 5 million jobs across the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and distribution. It also aimed to drastically reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food by boosting local productivity, improving yields, and enhancing food security for Nigeria.

The Green Imperative Program was also designed to attract private sector investment, reduce post-harvest losses through better processing and storage facilities, and strengthen value chains for crops like rice, maize, cassava, and wheat. By reducing manual labor in farming and increasing efficiency through tractors, harvesters, and modern irrigation systems, the program sought to transform agriculture into a wealth-creating and youth-friendly sector.

One of the most impactful agricultural policies under President Muhammadu Buhari was the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), launched in 2016. The program was designed to make fertilizer affordable and available to Nigerian farmers, reduce the country’s dependence on imports, and strengthen local production through domestic blending plants.

A landmark agreement was signed between Nigeria and Morocco, securing a steady supply of phosphate (a key raw material for fertilizer production) from Morocco, while Nigeria provided natural gas needed for fertilizer blending. This collaboration ensured uninterrupted production and eliminated the challenges of scarcity and high costs that had plagued Nigerian farmers for years.

Under the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), 52 moribund blending plants across the country were revived, sparking new economic activities and job opportunities. The initiative facilitated the production and distribution of over 30 million 50kg bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer at subsidized and affordable prices, reducing the cost per bag from about ₦10,000 to around ₦5,500, thereby making it accessible to millions of smallholder farmers. It also created about 250,000 direct and indirect jobs in areas such as logistics, transport, and plant operations. Beyond employment, the PFI strengthened Nigeria’s food security by boosting productivity in rice, maize, sorghum, cassava, and other staple crops, while saving the country billions of naira in foreign exchange that would otherwise have been spent on fertilizer imports.

The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative became a model of government–private sector collaboration, ensuring that farmers had timely access to affordable fertilizer while stimulating industrial growth. It also contributed significantly to the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

One of the most visible agricultural achievements of the Buhari administration was the massive expansion of Nigeria’s rice milling capacity. Prior to 2015, Nigeria had fewer than 15 standard integrated rice mills, which made the country heavily dependent on imported rice. To address this, the administration launched targeted policies under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, and direct investment support through the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture.

Over 30 new integrated rice mills were established across Nigeria, bringing the total number to more than 50 by 2021, with facilities located in states such as Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, Lagos, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Niger. This expansion ensured nationwide coverage, reduced transportation costs for farmers, and boosted milling capacity to over 3 million metric tons annually—a remarkable leap compared to pre-2015 figures. The initiative directly supported thousands of rice farmers, processors, and distributors in rural communities while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in farming, logistics, processing, packaging, and marketing. As a result, Nigeria became Africa’s largest producer of rice, with imports from Thailand plummeting from over 600,000 metric tons in 2014 to just about 2,160 metric tons in 2021. The improved milling capacity also enhanced the quality of Nigerian rice, making it widely consumed and preferred in local markets. This achievement was symbolically displayed through the unveiling of the historic Rice Pyramids in Abuja in 2022, showcasing millions of bags of paddy rice as a testament to local production success. Overall, the project strengthened food security, saved foreign exchange, and reduced Nigeria’s dependence on global rice imports.

Through the establishment of these rice mills, Buhari’s administration successfully moved Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in rice production, revitalized local agriculture, and provided a sustainable economic boost to farming communities across the nation.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Nigeria recorded an unprecedented boost in the local production of staple crops such as rice, maize, and sorghum — three of the most important foods for Nigerian households. Rice production rose from under 4 million metric tons in 2015 to over 7.5 million metric tons annually by 2021, making Nigeria Africa’s largest producer of rice. The number of standard integrated rice mills increased from 15 in 2015 to over 50 by 2022, reducing reliance on imports, while rice imports from Thailand dropped from over 1.2 million metric tons in 2014 to just 2,160 metric tons in 2021 — a near-total self-sufficiency achievement. Landmark projects such as the Lagos–Kebbi Rice Collaboration (Lake Rice) and the Abuja Rice Pyramids symbolized this success. In maize production, Nigeria achieved self-sufficiency by producing over 12 million metric tons annually, up from around 8 million metric tons before 2015, supported by the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) which provided inputs, credit, and guaranteed offtake. This abundance benefited local feed mills and poultry industries, stabilizing the livestock sector. For sorghum, Nigeria consolidated its position as Africa’s largest producer and the world’s second-largest after the USA, with an average annual output of 6–7 million metric tons, serving breweries, flour mills, and household consumption. The administration further promoted industrial use of sorghum, strengthening value chains and creating jobs in agro-processing. Overall, millions of farmers were empowered through the ABP, fertilizer initiatives, and irrigation support, leading to increased rural incomes, billions of dollars saved in foreign exchange, and significant improvements in food security, employment, and economic diversification.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s agricultural sector experienced a remarkable transformation through the deliberate expansion of local rice, maize, and sorghum production. Farmers across the country were empowered with access to improved seeds, modern inputs, and innovative farming techniques, which significantly boosted yields. These efforts not only increased food security but also provided millions of jobs through direct and indirect opportunities.

As a result of these initiatives, agricultural importation into Nigeria was reduced by more than 60%. Items that previously drained foreign exchange, such as rice and other staples, were increasingly produced locally, helping Nigeria save billions annually. This reduction in imports also strengthened the naira, improved Nigeria’s balance of trade, and fostered a culture of self-reliance in food production.

To sustain these gains, the government encouraged private-sector investment in agro-processing and value-chain development. This ensured that beyond production, farmers and entrepreneurs could process, package, and distribute agricultural products efficiently to local and international markets. The transformation became a powerful example of how strategic policies can turn agriculture into a driver of economic growth and national pride.

Under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the agricultural sector witnessed not only an expansion in crop and livestock production but also a significant boost in value addition through agro-processing and packaging. The government actively supported private investors and encouraged public-private partnerships that led to the establishment of agro-processing factories across different states.

These factories provided farmers with modern facilities to process raw produce such as rice, maize, sorghum, cassava, and vegetables into finished and market-ready goods. The growth of these industries created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from factory workers, machine operators, and engineers to transporters, marketers, and small-scale distributors.

By strengthening the processing and packaging subsector, Nigeria moved closer to achieving food self-sufficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian products both locally and internationally. This achievement not only improved farmers’ incomes but also helped stimulate rural economies across the country.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s agricultural transformation gained unprecedented momentum through the strategic implementation of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) in December 2016. Led by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the program aimed to revive the country’s moribund fertilizer blending industry, increase local production, and bring down costs for farmers. Over seven years (2017–2023), the PFI resuscitated and established 84 blending plants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, laying the foundation for locally sourced, quality fertilizer access nationwide

The initiative delivered over 90 million bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, enabling affordable prices—down by 45%—and saving farmers and the government vast sums. It generated over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, helping countless Nigerians along the value chain—from plant workers and logisticians to agro-dealer entrepreneurs. The PFI also achieved significant macroeconomic wins, including over $200 million in foreign exchange savings, ₦60 billion in annual subsidy savings, and about ₦100 billion in budget cost cuts, easing the strain on federal finances

Importantly, farmers reported even more tangible, on-the-ground benefits. In Taraba State, a 2022 farmer perception study noted that crop yields rose significantly, food security improved, and soil fertility was enhanced following fertilizer availability through the PFI

In essence, the PFI stands as a landmark achievement of the Buhari administration—safeguarding food production, reducing import dependence, empowering rural economies, and strengthening fiscal discipline across Nigeria.

President Buhari unveiling Nigeria’s rice pyramids in Abuja, a symbol of agricultural self-sufficiency and the success of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

Climate Change Implementation

President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated strong commitment to addressing climate change through active national and international strategies. Under his leadership, Nigeria took significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt renewable energy policies, and protect the environment for future generations. He played a pivotal role in global climate talks, especially at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP), where he positioned Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s climate action agenda.

Domestically, Buhari implemented the Nigeria Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy, passed the Climate Change Act in 2021, and inaugurated the National Council on Climate Change. His administration invested in clean energy, reforestation projects, and promoted sustainable agricultural practices. These actions reflected Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the 2060 Net-Zero Emissions target.

✅ Key Achievements

Climate Change Act (2021)

One of the landmark environmental achievements under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was the signing into law of the Climate Change Act in November 2021. This historic legislation positioned Nigeria as the first country in Africa to enact a comprehensive, legal framework dedicated to addressing climate change.

The Act also introduced legally binding targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, aligned with Nigeria’s Net Zero by 2060 commitment, as announced by President Buhari at COP26 in Glasgow. In its first two years of implementation, the Climate Change Act provided a framework that supported large-scale renewable energy projects, waste-to-wealth initiatives, reforestation campaigns, and green industrial policies.

Beyond its environmental impact, the Act became a driver of green job creation. Through programs coordinated under the NCCC and the Federal Ministry of Environment, over 65,000 direct and indirect jobs were created between 2021 and 2023 in sectors such as solar installation, clean cooking solutions, energy-efficient housing, and climate-smart agriculture. This significantly contributed to youth empowerment, rural employment, and Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda.

By embedding climate governance into law, the Buhari administration not only placed Nigeria on the global map as a leader in climate policy but also ensured that environmental sustainability became a catalyst for economic growth and employment generation.

In a bold move at COP26 and further entrenched by the Climate Change Act of 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari led Nigeria to become the first African nation to legally commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Anchored in this commitment, the Energy Transition Plan (ETP)—launched in August 2022—served as a blueprint for Nigeria’s journey toward a low-carbon economy.

Crucially, the ETP was not just about environmental stewardship—it was also a powerful economic initiative. It projected the creation of 340,000 green jobs by 2030 and an impressive 840,000 jobs by 2060, drawing motivation from expanding sectors like renewable power, clean cooking, sustainable transport, and energy efficiency across housing and industry. These jobs ranged from solar installation and electric vehicle infrastructure to clean cooking supply chains and modern energy-efficient building systems.

This dual focus—on emissions reduction and economic empowerment—allowed climate action to also become a vehicle for youth employment, rural livelihoods, and innovation-driven growth. By combining legal frameworks, institutional coordination (via the National Council on Climate Change), and a detailed job creation roadmap, the Buhari administration turned Nigeria’s green transition into a cornerstone of sustainable development and inclusivity.

In 2022, the Buhari administration established the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) as the central coordinating body for all climate-related policies, programs, and actions in Nigeria. The Council was designed to provide a unified institutional framework for implementing the Climate Change Act (2021) and ensuring that Nigeria meets its Net-Zero Emissions Target by 2060.

The NCCC serves as the focal point for harmonizing climate initiatives across ministries, agencies, and sectors, ranging from agriculture, energy, and transportation to health and environment. With its establishment, Nigeria moved from fragmented climate actions to a more structured and accountable system where every stakeholder—government, private sector, NGOs, and communities—works under a single umbrella to fight climate change.

Importantly, the Council has been instrumental in job creation. Between 2022 and 2023, the NCCC supported programs in renewable energy deployment, green innovation, climate research, waste-to-energy projects, and carbon credit initiatives. These activities directly and indirectly created over 5,000 green jobs for Nigerian youths, particularly in solar installation, climate-smart agriculture, project monitoring, and environmental consultancy.

The creation of the NCCC not only strengthened Nigeria’s institutional capacity to tackle climate change but also provided economic opportunities by opening up an entirely new sector of green employment while enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation as a country committed to sustainable development.

In 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration launched Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), a groundbreaking framework designed to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2060 while ensuring energy access, economic growth, and job creation.

The ETP was developed as part of Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its Net-Zero Emissions Target by 2060. It provides a roadmap for transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner and renewable energy sources, focusing on five critical sectors: power, cooking, industry, transport, and oil & gas.

Under this plan, Nigeria set a target to achieve universal energy access by 2030, ensuring that millions of households, especially in rural areas, gain access to affordable electricity. To achieve this, the government projected investments of about $410 billion over the next 40 years to drive renewable energy, support gas development as a transition fuel, and foster the growth of new green industries. The Energy Transition Plan (ETP) placed special emphasis on solar energy expansion, with a goal to install 30 million solar connections by 2030, directly benefiting over 100 million Nigerians.

The program is projected to create over 840,000 jobs by 2030, particularly in renewable energy deployment, solar panel assembly, maintenance, and green transport solutions. In its first year of implementation, pilot projects in renewable energy and solar electrification generated approximately 50,000 new jobs across various states. Beyond job creation, the initiative positioned Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s energy transition, attracting strong international support from partners such as the World Bank, SEforALL, and the United Nations.

Overall, the Energy Transition Plan under Buhari’s administration laid a solid foundation for sustainable development, balancing the need for economic growth, energy security, climate resilience, and massive job creation for Nigerians.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the Solar Power Naija initiative was launched in 2020 as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP). The program was designed to expand energy access by providing 5 million new solar connections to rural and underserved households across Nigeria.

The initiative had several transformative impacts:

  • Improved Energy Access: Millions of households, especially in rural communities with little or no access to the national grid, were provided with affordable solar home systems and mini-grids. This improved education (students could study at night), health care (clinics had light for essential services), and boosted small businesses that relied on electricity.

  • Massive Job Creation: The program directly created over 250,000 new jobs across the country, particularly for young people and women. These jobs spanned across the solar value chain — including solar panel assembly, installation, distribution, sales, maintenance, and customer service.

  • Boost for Local Manufacturing: By encouraging local production and assembly of solar components, the program strengthened Nigeria’s renewable energy industry, reducing dependence on imported solar equipment.

  • Support for Small Businesses: Many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas were able to expand their operations because of access to reliable and affordable electricity, leading to improved productivity and income levels.

  • Contribution to Net-Zero Goals: Solar Power Naija also contributed to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy sources.

In summary, Solar Power Naija not only improved energy access and living conditions for millions of Nigerians but also created over a quarter of a million jobs, positioning Nigeria as a leader in renewable energy adoption in Africa.

As part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to tackling climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, and creating sustainable livelihoods, the Federal Government launched the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) Reforestation Program under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The initiative was aligned with the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and Nigeria’s pledge to combat desertification and environmental degradation, particularly in the northern region.

Under the Program Implementation and Coverage, the initiative focused on massive tree planting campaigns across desert-prone states such as Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Yobe, and Borno. Between 2019 and 2023, over 30 million tree seedlings were planted, restoring more than 150,000 hectares of degraded land. To ensure sustainability, communities were mobilized through “community forest guards” and the adoption of farmer-managed natural regeneration techniques, which empowered local participation in environmental conservation. This effort not only revived degraded land but also strengthened community ownership of forest resources.

The program also had a direct Boost to Agricultural Productivity (PAMAS Impact) by restoring tree cover, which reduced soil erosion, improved water retention, and enhanced soil fertility. This significantly increased crop yields for staples such as millet, maize, groundnut, and sorghum, with farmers in reforested areas recording an average 15–20% increase in production compared to pre-program levels. At the same time, the initiative created substantial employment and livelihood opportunities, generating over 85,000 direct jobs and 120,000 indirect jobs. Direct jobs came from nursery establishment, tree planting, and forest maintenance, while indirect jobs were driven by eco-tourism, seedling trade, non-timber forest product processing, and charcoal alternatives. Importantly, 40% of all jobs were reserved for women and youth, empowering marginalized groups and enhancing household incomes.

Beyond agriculture and livelihoods, the program achieved remarkable Climate, Environmental, and Social Impacts. It contributed significantly to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by reducing deforestation and absorbing an estimated 25 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, advancing the national goal of net-zero emissions by 2060. The creation of windbreaks and shelterbelts slowed the Sahara Desert’s encroachment into farmlands, while reforested zones provided firewood alternatives, reducing pressure on natural forests. Communities also benefited from fruit-bearing trees such as mango, cashew, and moringa, which improved nutrition and household income. To ensure long-term impact, environmental education campaigns were rolled out in schools, raising awareness of tree planting and sustainable land use among young Nigerians.

Summary: The Green Recovery Nigeria Reforestation Program stands out as a major environmental and socio-economic achievement. Beyond combating desertification and climate change, it boosted agricultural productivity, created over 200,000 jobs, and enhanced community resilience to environmental shocks—marking a historic step toward sustainable development and Nigeria’s green future.

The National Clean Cooking Program was introduced to tackle one of the most pressing environmental and health challenges in Nigeria — the over-reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Before the program, about 70% of Nigerian households depended on biomass fuels, which contributed significantly to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative sought to reduce this dependence by promoting the adoption of clean cooking technologies such as LPG stoves, solar cookers, and improved biomass stoves that emit far fewer pollutants.

A major achievement of this program is the distribution of over 1 million clean cookstoves and LPG cylinders across rural and urban communities between 2020 and 2023. This has not only helped to cut down CO₂ emissions by an estimated 7 million metric tons annually but has also contributed to the preservation of forests, as fewer trees are being cut for firewood. In addition, households using clean cookstoves reported a 30% reduction in respiratory illnesses, especially among women and children who are the most exposed to smoke from traditional cooking methods.

The program has also made a direct impact on the economy. By creating a new market for clean cookstoves, cylinders, and LPG distribution, the initiative generated over 150,000 jobs nationwide. These jobs were spread across different sectors, including stove production, LPG supply chains, distribution, installation, and after-sales services. Many youths and women were empowered through training programs to become distributors and local technicians, ensuring sustainability and community-level ownership of the program.

Overall, the National Clean Cooking Program stands as one of Nigeria’s strongest climate and health interventions. It has simultaneously reduced greenhouse emissions, created green jobs, and improved public health outcomes. While challenges remain, such as affordability and reaching the poorest households, the program has already shown measurable success in transforming the way Nigerians cook and in reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.

The Nigeria Climate Change Fund was created as a financing mechanism to support the country’s efforts in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The fund pools resources from government allocations, international donor agencies, climate finance institutions, and private sector contributions. Its primary goal is to provide sustainable financial support for projects that align with Nigeria’s Net-Zero Emissions Target by 2060, while also fostering innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green industrialization.

One of the notable achievements of the fund is the mobilization of over $600 million in blended climate finance between 2021 and 2024. These resources have been deployed across multiple sectors, including renewable energy expansion, community-based reforestation, and clean cooking initiatives. Through this intervention, Nigeria has been able to strengthen its capacity to attract international climate finance, positioning itself as a leading African country in climate investment mobilization.

The implementation of the Climate Change Fund has also had a significant impact on the labor market. Between its inception and 2024, the program directly and indirectly supported the creation of over 120,000 green jobs, ranging from solar technicians and clean cooking solution distributors to agroforestry workers and project monitoring officers. These jobs not only provided income opportunities but also contributed to poverty reduction, particularly among rural communities and youth populations who benefited from training and skill development programs tied to fund-supported projects.

Furthermore, the Fund has contributed to measurable environmental and social outcomes. For instance, projects financed under its framework have facilitated the planting of more than 25 million trees, supported over 500,000 households with clean cooking technologies, and added 350 MW of renewable energy capacity to Nigeria’s national grid. These outcomes represent a tangible reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in public health, especially among women and children previously exposed to harmful indoor air pollution. The Nigeria Climate Change Fund therefore stands as a major instrument in driving Nigeria’s transition toward a greener, more resilient economy.

Nigeria has played a strong role in international climate justice advocacy under this administration, ensuring that the voices of developing nations, especially African countries, are heard in global climate negotiations. At major international platforms such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conferences of the Parties (COP), Nigeria has consistently pushed for equitable climate financing, technology transfer, and fair treatment of countries that contribute the least to global emissions but suffer the most from climate impacts.

Through these efforts, Nigeria secured stronger commitments from developed nations to honor the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge and contributed to the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27. This fund aims to support vulnerable nations, including Nigeria, in addressing climate-induced disasters such as flooding, desertification, and food insecurity. Nigeria’s leadership in these negotiations positioned it as a regional voice for Africa, advocating for justice, fairness, and shared responsibility in addressing the global climate crisis.

The advocacy efforts also opened opportunities for green investment in Nigeria, leading to increased bilateral and multilateral partnerships. These partnerships have supported renewable energy expansion, sustainable agriculture programs, and environmental protection projects. The advocacy created thousands of green jobs in Nigeria, particularly in renewable energy, forestry, and environmental management, thereby addressing unemployment and boosting the green economy.

Overall, Nigeria’s climate justice diplomacy not only strengthened its global reputation but also translated into tangible benefits at home, including access to international climate funds, expansion of renewable energy projects, and the creation of over 35,000 direct and indirect jobs in various green sectors. This demonstrated how international advocacy can be directly linked to national development, climate resilience, and poverty reduction.

Nigeria has strongly promoted climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as part of its broader response to climate change, ensuring that food security, environmental protection, and economic growth move hand in hand. The government, in collaboration with development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and local organizations, introduced various CSA projects to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while reducing carbon emissions from farming activities. These programs included the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, agroforestry practices, and the integration of renewable energy into farming systems.

One of the notable achievements was the training of over 2 million smallholder farmers across states like Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, and Benue, focusing on climate-resilient farming practices. Farmers were taught modern techniques such as organic soil enrichment, crop rotation, and water-harvesting methods to cope with droughts and flooding. Reports from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development indicated that these interventions contributed to an estimated 20% increase in crop yields in participating communities, ensuring food security even during seasons of irregular rainfall.

The promotion of climate-smart agriculture also generated significant job opportunities across the agricultural value chain. It is estimated that between 350,000 to 500,000 jobs were created, particularly in rural areas, through training programs, agro-processing, distribution of improved seedlings, and renewable-energy-powered irrigation schemes. This not only improved livelihoods but also reduced rural-urban migration, as young people began to see agriculture as a profitable and sustainable venture.

Additionally, the shift towards CSA has contributed to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions. By reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and promoting organic and nature-based solutions, Nigeria cut down methane emissions from rice production and improved carbon sequestration through tree planting on farmlands. As a result, Nigeria reported an 8% reduction in agriculture-related emissions under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The long-term impact of these interventions is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems, making them more resilient to climate shocks while ensuring economic growth and sustainability.

In 2023, the Nigerian government implemented a bold policy by placing a ban on charcoal exportation. This decision was primarily driven by the need to protect Nigeria’s forests, reduce deforestation, and curb environmental degradation caused by the massive felling of trees for charcoal production. Prior to the ban, Nigeria was one of the major exporters of charcoal in Africa, but this came at a huge ecological cost. Forest depletion and desertification in states like Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, and Yobe had already threatened food security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of rural dwellers. The ban marked a significant step in Nigeria’s broader climate change mitigation strategy by directly addressing unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

The measure also had important economic and social impacts. Although some short-term resistance was recorded from traders who relied on charcoal export for income, the ban redirected government efforts toward promoting alternative sources of energy and sustainable livelihoods. For instance, households and industries were encouraged to transition toward clean cooking technologies and renewable energy solutions like solar and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). This shift reduced dependency on wood and charcoal while also boosting awareness on clean energy adoption. Reports following the ban showed a gradual reduction in tree cutting for export markets, which in turn contributed to slowing down deforestation rates.

Furthermore, the ban created an opportunity to generate green jobs in the renewable energy and sustainable forestry sectors. By diverting investments away from charcoal exportation and toward reforestation programs and clean cooking initiatives, thousands of Nigerians benefited through employment in tree planting campaigns, clean stove production, and renewable energy distribution. This helped to reduce unemployment while also fostering resilience in rural communities that had long depended on charcoal as their main source of income.

Overall, the charcoal exportation ban of 2023 stands as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s environmental policy framework. It not only addressed immediate threats to the country’s forests but also paved the way for long-term sustainability through reforestation, renewable energy promotion, and the protection of biodiversity. The initiative reflects Nigeria’s determination to balance economic growth with environmental conservation, positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s fight against climate change.

President Buhari addressing global leaders at COP26 in Glasgow, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development.