July 15, (THEWILL) — The United Nations has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.”
Guterres hailed Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and his pivotal role in promoting peace and security across West Africa.
“During his tenure, President Buhari demonstrated a deep commitment to the sovereignty, stability, and development of his country. He also played a key role in promoting regional peace and security in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.
Buhari, who first led Nigeria as a military head of state before returning as a two-term civilian president, was widely recognised for his anti-corruption crusade and his strong support for regional security cooperation.
The UN Secretary-General described Buhari as “a strong advocate for multilateral and regional cooperation,” noting that his leadership significantly strengthened Nigeria’s role within ECOWAS.
Meanwhile, in New York, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed paid tribute to the late president during a visit to the Nigerian consulate. Mohammed, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment under Buhari, signed the condolence register and offered prayers.
“He was a true patriot who believed in his country, believed in his people, and did the best that he could,” she said.
Reflecting on his character, Amina praised Buhari’s “unwavering discipline, deep conviction, and steadfast patriotism,” adding that his legacy would outlive his time in office.
She also commended his efforts in promoting Nigeria’s and Africa’s priorities on global platforms, particularly in areas such as climate change, counterterrorism, and economic development.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
