Buhari’s Legacy: 20 Landmark Reforms That Shaped Nigeria

The late President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered not only for his stern military background but also for a raft of reforms that defined Nigeria’s socio-political and economic trajectory during his two-term civilian administration from 2015 to 2023.

Buhari’s legacy remains deeply polarising, with some lauding his efforts to reshape governance and others faulting the economic hardship and insecurity that marked his tenure.

Below are 20 landmark policies and reforms that defined his years in power:

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1. Treasury Single Account (TSA) Enforcement

Buhari enforced the TSA policy to consolidate federal revenues into one account. The move plugged leakages and enhanced fiscal transparency across ministries and agencies.

2. Whistleblower Policy

Introduced in 2016, the policy encouraged citizens to report financial crimes, leading to the recovery of billions of naira looted by public officials.

3. N-Power and Social Investment Programmes

His administration rolled out initiatives like N-Power, TraderMoni, and the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) to combat youth unemployment and extreme poverty.

4. Anchor Borrowers Programme

The scheme boosted agricultural production by providing loans and support to smallholder farmers, particularly rice growers.

5. Border Closure Policy

In 2019, Nigeria’s land borders were controversially shut to tackle smuggling and stimulate local agriculture. The policy triggered inflation but also protected domestic producers.

6. Naira Redesign and Cashless Policy

The Central Bank’s naira redesign, approved by Buhari in 2022, sought to curb vote-buying and illicit funds. However, it plunged Nigerians into a cash crisis ahead of elections.

7. National Minimum Wage Increase

After years of labour agitation, Buhari raised the minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 in 2019.

8. Infrastructure Revolution

His tenure witnessed major projects like the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna railways, the Second Niger Bridge, and revamped airports nationwide.

9. Power Sector Reforms

Through the Siemens electricity deal, the administration aimed to expand generation and distribution—though critics say the results were underwhelming.

10. Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)

Signed in 2021 after decades of legislative delays, the PIA restructured Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to attract global investments.

11. Anti-Corruption Drive

Buhari’s war on corruption saw high-profile arrests and asset seizures, though opponents accused him of selective prosecution.

12. Nigeria Air Project

His administration unveiled Nigeria Air to revive the national carrier, but the project remains mired in controversy.

13. CAMA 2020 Overhaul

The amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act modernised Nigeria’s corporate governance framework.

14. Digital Economy Initiatives

Policies like the NIN-SIM linkage and Africa’s first digital currency, the e-Naira, underscored Buhari’s push for digital transformation.

15. Police Act 2020

This reform aimed to modernise policing, improve accountability, and address human rights concerns within the force.

16. Border Security & Immigration Overhaul

E-border systems and increased recruitment sought to secure Nigeria’s porous frontiers.

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17. Ease of Doing Business Drive

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) improved Nigeria’s World Bank ranking for business reforms.

18. Electoral Act 2022

By signing the amended act, Buhari paved the way for electronic transmission of results, enhancing electoral credibility.

19. National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP)

Promoted gas as an alternative to petrol and diesel in a bid to cut costs and embrace cleaner energy.

20. Sovereign Wealth Fund Growth

Buhari increased contributions to the Sovereign Wealth Fund to safeguard Nigeria’s economy against oil price shocks.

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