By
Ola Jones
Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency, spanning from 2015 to 2023, had a profound impact on Nigeria’s development across various sectors.
*Economic Reforms and Challenges*
Buhari’s administration implemented significant economic reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which restructured the oil and gas sector after decades of stagnation. His government also invested over $10 billion in infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and ports. However, Nigeria’s economy faced significant challenges, including two recessions, rising inflation, and a substantial increase in public debt, which grew from ₦42 trillion to ₦77 trillion.
*Digital Economy and Innovation*
Buhari’s presidency saw a remarkable growth in Nigeria’s digital economy. His administration launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020-2030), which focused on eight pillars, including digital literacy, infrastructure expansion, and indigenous content development. This led to:
– Broadband penetration surging to 46%, up from 6% in 2015
– ICT sector contributing 19.54% to national GDP, up from 8.5% in 2015
– Emergence of tech unicorns like Flutterwave, OPay, Interswitch, and Andela
*Infrastructure Development*
Buhari’s administration invested heavily in infrastructure development, including:
– Completion of the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge railways
– Construction of the Second Niger Bridge and 1,963 km of rehabilitated highways
– Modernization of airports and ports
*Social Programmes and Agriculture*
The administration implemented various social programmes, including:
– N-Power, which supported millions of young Nigerians
– Conditional cash transfers and school feeding schemes, which reached millions of beneficiaries
– Anchor Borrowers Programme, which supported 4 million farmers and increased rice production
*Power and Energy*
Buhari’s administration took steps to address Nigeria’s power challenges, including:
– Launching the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) to upgrade critical infrastructure
– Completing key power transmission projects, including substations and national grid expansions
– Initiating renewable energy projects, such as the Solar Power Naija initiative
*Legacy and Impact*
While Buhari’s presidency was marked by significant achievements, it was also criticized for:
– Insecurity and human rights concerns
– Perceived selectivity in anti-corruption prosecutions
– Restrictions on press freedom and social media platforms
Despite these challenges, Buhari’s legacy is defined by data-driven achievements in infrastructure, digital inclusion, and public welfare. His administration laid the foundation for Nigeria’s digital future, and his policies continue to shape the country’s development trajectory.
JONES WROTE THIS FROM LAGOS
