Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, after winning elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. His presidency was marked by a mix of bold reforms, controversial economic decisions, and ongoing challenges in national security. Below is an overview of the key policies that defined Buhari’s civilian leadership.

1. Anti-Corruption Drive

Buhari’s signature policy focus was the fight against corruption. Upon assuming office, he pledged to tackle public sector graft. His administration established the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) and gave backing to anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Several high-profile figures were arrested and tried, including former state governors, ministers, and military officers. However, critics accused the administration of selective prosecution and shielding close allies from scrutiny. Nonetheless, the anti-corruption narrative remained central to Buhari’s political identity throughout his tenure.

2. Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP)

Faced with a recession in 2016 due to falling oil prices, Buhari launched the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in 2017. The ERGP was a medium-term plan aimed at stabilizing the economy, reducing inflation, and diversifying the revenue base away from oil.

Key elements of the plan included investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. While Nigeria exited recession by 2017, growth remained sluggish, and the economy faced renewed pressure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Social Investment Programmes

The Buhari administration introduced a range of social intervention schemes under the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP). These included:

• N-Power: Employment and skills training for young Nigerians.

• Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT): Monthly payments to the poorest households.

• TraderMoni and MarketMoni: Microloans to petty traders and small businesses.

• Home Grown School Feeding Programme: Meals for primary school pupils.

These programmes were widely praised for their ambition but faced criticism over poor implementation, limited coverage, and lack of transparency in beneficiary selection.

4. Agricultural and Border Closure Policy

Buhari emphasized agricultural self-sufficiency. His administration invested in schemes such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which provided credit and inputs to smallholder farmers. The Central Bank of Nigeria also restricted foreign exchange access for food imports to encourage local production.

In 2019, Buhari ordered the closure of land borders to curb smuggling and promote local industries. Though it benefited some local producers, it also triggered food inflation and strained relations with neighboring countries. The borders were reopened in late 2020.

5. Security and Counter-Insurgency

Buhari, a former military general, pledged to end Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. While initial gains were made, security challenges persisted. The country saw rising banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and kidnappings, especially in the North-West and Middle Belt regions.

Despite massive military spending and deployment, critics argued that Buhari’s administration failed to decisively secure the country.

Buhari’s presidency was a complex era marked by high expectations and mixed outcomes. While he made progress in infrastructure development and social interventions, persistent economic hardship, inflation, and security woes overshadowed many of his policy successes. His legacy remains contested, with supporters praising his discipline and detractors pointing to deepening poverty and democratic backsliding.