When Major General Muhammadu Buhari seized power on December 31, 1983, in a military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari, he declared his administration would rescue Nigeria from economic collapse and widespread corruption. During his brief but impactful 20-month tenure as Military Head of State (1983–1985), Buhari implemented several hardline policies, many of which left lasting impressions on the country’s governance, economy, and civic life. Below are some of the key policies that defined his regime:

Arguably the most iconic policy of Buhari’s military regime was the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), launched in March 1984. The campaign aimed to correct what the regime described as widespread moral and social decay. Citizens were compelled to queue orderly at bus stops, arrive early at workplaces, refrain from littering, and show national respect during the national anthem.

Soldiers were often deployed to enforce compliance, leading to public scenes of punishment for lateness, improper conduct, or disorderliness. Though many Nigerians welcomed the sense of order, critics argued it promoted authoritarianism and over-policing of civilian behavior.

Buhari’s administration was intensely focused on fighting corruption. Immediately after taking office, hundreds of politicians, public servants, and business leaders from the ousted Second Republic were arrested, tried by military tribunals, and handed long prison sentences — sometimes up to 300 years.

While these anti-corruption efforts were applauded by some for their decisiveness, critics denounced the retroactive decrees under which many individuals were tried, which violated principles of fair trial and legal protection.

Faced with a declining oil revenue base and mounting national debt, Buhari pursued an austerity economic policy. His government refused to accept the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditional loan terms, including currency devaluation, viewing them as harmful to national sovereignty.

Instead, Buhari’s administration introduced stringent import controls, foreign exchange restrictions, and banned the importation of several goods considered non-essential. These measures were designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on foreign products and protect local industries. However, they led to shortages, inflation, and a thriving black market economy.

To combat economic sabotage and currency smuggling, Buhari introduced Decree No. 20, which prescribed the death penalty for drug trafficking and stiff penalties for currency-related crimes. Many were tried and executed under this decree, including foreigners and locals.

This policy, though aimed at national economic protection, was heavily criticized both locally and internationally for its severity and use of retroactive justice, especially in high-profile cases involving foreign nationals.

Freedom of expression suffered under Buhari’s military regime. The notorious Decree No. 4 criminalized the publication of any material deemed to ridicule or bring government officials into disrepute, even if it was true. Journalists were arrested, newspapers shuttered, and public discourse stifled.

This led to the detention of prominent journalists like Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, further fueling accusations of authoritarianism and suppression of democratic ideals.

While Buhari’s government was short-lived, it was marked by a focus on discipline, anti-corruption, and economic nationalism. However, its heavy-handed approach, disregard for civil liberties, and failure to deliver economic relief ultimately led to disillusionment. In August 1985, he was overthrown in a palace coup led by his Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Babangida. Yet, Buhari’s first stint in power remains one of the most controversial chapters in Nigeria’s military era — seen by some as principled, and by others as undemocratic and repressive.