Muhammadu Buhari Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! == Presidency (2015–2023) == {{Further|Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari}} [[File:The heads of delegations attending the Russia-Africa Summit pose for photographs (2019-10-24).jpg|thumb|Buhari and other African leaders at the [[Russia–Africa Summit 2019]] in Sochi on 24 October 2019]] The economy has averaged a growth rate of 0.9% since the administration's first term, unemployment is at an all-time high of 23%, and millions entered poverty.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2019/05/30/nigerians-got-poorer-in-muhammadu-buharis-first-term|title=Nigerians got poorer in Muhammadu Buhari's first term|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=26 March 2020|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326160508/https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2019/05/30/nigerians-got-poorer-in-muhammadu-buharis-first-term|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2015, Buhari has lost supporters due to his perceived un-energetic personality and contemplative decision making.<ref name= "ebe">{{Cite journal|last=Obadare|first= Ebenezer|year=2019|title=Introduction: Nigeria – Twenty years of civil rule|journal=African Affairs |volume= 121|issue= 485|pages= e75–e86|doi=10.1093/afraf/adz004}}</ref> === Cabinet === Buhari's key advisers include: his nephew [[Mamman Daura]], businessman [[Ismaila Isa Funtua]], political operator [[Baba Gana Kingibe]], [[Abba Kyari (politician)|Abba Kyari]] the [[Chief of Staff to the President (Nigeria)|Chief of Staff to the President]]; and from the late stages of his first term, [[Boss Mustapha]] the [[Secretary to the Government of the Federation]].<ref name="vol60" /> Empowering his [[Kitchen Cabinet|kitchen cabinet]] after his second inauguration, Buhari has stated his preference for cabinet members seeking meetings or consultation to direct such requests through the chief of staff or through the government secretary.<ref name="vol60" /> Since the [[Fourth Nigerian Republic|Fourth Republic]], ministerial positions are legally required to be composed of a federal ethno-demographic character with a minister representing each state of the federation. A result of this has created the outcome of political considerations as an important factor in nominating ministers as local party officials lacking in merit jostle for cabinet positions.<ref name="vol60" /> Nomination into Buhari's cabinet has been influenced by those political considerations and also closeness to the president and his inner cabinet.<ref name="vol60" /> In August 2019, the president named his cabinet of predominantly male members with an average years of 60 and dominated by political actors or those close to the president.<ref name="gang" /> The cabinet include two wealthy former governors from the Niger Delta, [[Timipre Sylva]] and [[Godswill Akpabio]] who were originally members of the opposition party PDP and fourteen retained ministers some of whom critics alleged had performed poorly or having a close relationship with a corrupt past Head of State.<ref name="gang">{{Cite journal |date=26 July 2019 |title=The Gang of 43 breaks cover |url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article/id/12703/The_Gang_of_43_breaks_cover |journal=African Confidential |language=en |volume=60 |access-date=23 October 2019 |archive-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101173158/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article/id/12703/The_Gang_of_43_breaks_cover |url-status=live }}</ref> === Health === In May 2016, Buhari cancelled a two-day visit to Lagos to inaugurate projects in the state but he was represented by the Vice-president [[Yemi Osinbajo]] after citing an "ear infection" suspected to be [[Ménière's disease]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Adetayo|first=Olalekan|date=22 May 2016|title=Buhari cancels two-day state visit to Lagos|work=[[The Punch]]|location=[[Abuja]]|url=http://punchng.com/buhari-cancels-two-day-state-visit-lagos/|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=27 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627153104/http://punchng.com/buhari-cancels-two-day-state-visit-lagos/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 June, Buhari travelled to the [[United Kingdom]] to seek medical attention.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nwabughuiogu|first=Levinus|date=6 June 2016|title=Buhari heads to London for medical treatment|work=[[Vanguard (Nigeria)|Vanguard News]]|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/buhari-heads-london-medical-treatment/|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=11 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711005842/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/buhari-heads-london-medical-treatment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ifijeh|first=Martins|date=9 June 2016|title=Nigeria: Meniere's Disease and Buhari's Health|work=[[Thisday]] Live|publisher=All Africa|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201606090823.html|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=15 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615002826/http://allafrica.com/stories/201606090823.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This happened days after the Presidential Spokesman [[Femi Adesina]] was quoted as saying Buhari was "as fit as fiddle" and "hale and hearty", to much discontent and criticism from political analysts and followers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buhari Travelled Abroad Over Poor Health – Nigerians|work=[[Naij]]|url=https://www.naij.com/388658-buhari-travelled-abroad-over-poor-health-nigerians.html|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820114334/https://www.naij.com/388658-buhari-travelled-abroad-over-poor-health-nigerians.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rahman|first=Tunde|date=11 June 2016|title=On President Buhari's Health|work=ThisDay Live|url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/06/11/on-president-buharis-health/|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=27 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627174256/http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/06/11/on-president-buharis-health/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kolawole|first=O'Femi|date=7 June 2016|title=President Buhari's health and Aso Rock lies|work=The Cable|url=https://www.thecable.ng/president-buharis-health-aso-rock-lies|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=8 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608133442/https://www.thecable.ng/president-buharis-health-aso-rock-lies|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2017, following what were described as "routine medical check-ups" in the UK,<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 January 2017|title=Buhari not dead - Presidency|language=en-GB|newspaper=Premium Times Nigeria|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/221184-buhari-not-dead-presidency.html|access-date=6 February 2017|archive-date=7 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207113154/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/221184-buhari-not-dead-presidency.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Buhari asked parliament to extend his medical leave to await test results.<ref>{{cite web|title=Muhammadu Buhari extends medical leave in UK|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/muhammadu-buhari-medical-leave-uk-170206042202525.html|access-date=6 February 2017|website=Aljazeera|archive-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206163247/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/muhammadu-buhari-medical-leave-uk-170206042202525.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His office did not give any further details on his health condition nor the expected date of his return.<ref>{{cite web|title=Buhari fails to return - New Telegraph Nigerian Newspaper|url= https://newtelegraphonline.com/news/buhari-fails-return/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208041432/https://newtelegraphonline.com/news/buhari-fails-return/|archive-date=8 February 2017|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref> On 8 February, President Buhari personally signed a letter addressed to the [[President of the Senate of Nigeria]] alerting him of a further extension to his annual leave, leaving his vice president in charge.<ref>Ismail Mudashir, [http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/i-won-t-return-until-doctors-are-satisfied-buhari/184892.html "I won’t return until doctors are satisfied – Buhari"] {{Webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170212102522/http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/i-won-t-return-until-doctors-are-satisfied-buhari/184892.html|date=12 February 2017}}, ''Daily Trust'', 12 February 2017.</ref><ref>[http://thenationonlineng.net/cant-return-home-now-buhari/ "Why I can’t return home now, by Buhari"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213141408/http://thenationonlineng.net/cant-return-home-now-buhari/ |date=13 February 2017 }}, ''The Nation''</ref><ref>[http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/223218-exclusive-i-wont-return-doctors-satisfied-buhari.html "XCLUSIVE: I won’t return until doctors are satisfied — Buhari"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164343/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/223218-exclusive-i-wont-return-doctors-satisfied-buhari.html |date=13 February 2017 }}, ''Premium Times'', 11 February 2017.</ref> Following an absence of 51 days from office, President Buhari returned to Nigeria. He arrived at [[Kaduna Airport]] in the morning of 10 March.<ref>{{cite web|author=adekunle|date=10 March 2017|title=Ag. President, others receive Buhari in Presidential Villa|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/ag-president-others-receive-buhari-in-presidential-villa/|access-date=11 April 2017|website=Vanguard News|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310095225/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/ag-president-others-receive-buhari-in-presidential-villa/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Comrade|first=Ameh|date=10 March 2017|title=Buhari returns to Nigeria|url=http://dailypost.ng/2017/03/10/breaking-buhari-returns-nigeria/|access-date=11 April 2017|website=Daily Post Nigeria|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310084839/http://dailypost.ng/2017/03/10/breaking-buhari-returns-nigeria/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=10 March 2017|title=UPDATED: Buhari arrives Nigeria|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/225725-updated-buhari-arrives-nigeria.html|access-date=11 April 2017|website=Premium Times Nigeria|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310112107/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/225725-updated-buhari-arrives-nigeria.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although information was limited during his stay in [[London]], he was pictured on 9 March meeting the most senior cleric of the world Anglican congregation, Archbishop of Canterbury [[Justin Welby]].<ref>{{cite news|date=10 March 2017|title=Nigeria President Buhari: I've never been so sick|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39228656|access-date=11 April 2017|archive-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413143509/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39228656|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Muhammadu Buhari returns home from London medical leave|work=Nigeria News|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/muhammadu-buhari-returned-home-state-media-170310065849423.html|access-date=11 April 2017|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310125927/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/muhammadu-buhari-returned-home-state-media-170310065849423.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Vice President Yemi Osibanjo remained in charge as acting president, while the President continued to recover in [[Abuja]].<ref>{{cite web|date=10 March 2017|title=Breaking: Osinbajo remains Acting President, says Buhari|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/breaking-need-rest-says-buhari/|access-date=11 April 2017|website=Vanguard News|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310112931/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/breaking-need-rest-says-buhari/|url-status=live}}</ref> The President has missed major official and public appearances just two months following his return to office from England. Most recently he was absent from the [[Cabinet of Nigeria|Federal Executive Council]] (FEC) meeting, the worker's day event held at the Eagle Square in Abuja on May Day 2017.<ref>{{cite web|date=1 May 2017|title=#WhereIsBuhari: President Buhari Absent From May Day Rally|url=http://saharareporters.com/2017/05/01/whereisbuhari-president-buhari-absent-may-day-rally|access-date=21 August 2017|website=Sahara Reporters|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809185308/http://saharareporters.com/2017/05/01/whereisbuhari-president-buhari-absent-may-day-rally|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nathaniel|first=Soonest|date=2 May 2017|title=Panic over Buhari's health: OBJ, IBB, Abdulsalami to meet secretly in Minna|url=https://www.naij.com/1102293-panic-buharis-health-obj-ibb-abdulsalami-meet-secretly-minna.html|access-date=21 August 2017|website=naij.com|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803220218/https://www.naij.com/1102293-panic-buharis-health-obj-ibb-abdulsalami-meet-secretly-minna.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2 May 2017|title=Falana & Civil Society Leaders Urge President Buhari to take Medical Leave|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/05/falana-civil-society-leaders-urge-president-buhari-to-take-medical-leave/|website=BellaNaija|access-date=2 May 2017|archive-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502134625/https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/05/falana-civil-society-leaders-urge-president-buhari-to-take-medical-leave/|url-status=live}}</ref> Speculations about the President's health circulated in the [[public sphere]] in the days following President Buhari's wishes to "[[work from home]]".<ref>{{cite web|date=26 April 2017|title=Buhari To Work From Home Today • Channels Television|url=https://www.channelstv.com/2017/04/26/buhari-to-work-from-home-today/|access-date=21 August 2017|website=channelstv.com|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812133228/http://www.channelstv.com/2017/04/26/buhari-to-work-from-home-today/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some prominent Nigerian figures urged the President to take a long-term medical leave,<ref>{{cite news|date=2 May 2017|title=Nigeria's President Buhari urged to take medical leave|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39778012|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803215010/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39778012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 May 2017|title=Buhari's health needs urgent medical attention – Falana|url=http://dailypost.ng/2017/05/01/buharis-health-needs-urgent-medical-attention-falana/|access-date=21 August 2017|website=dailypost.ng|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803212523/http://dailypost.ng/2017/05/01/buharis-health-needs-urgent-medical-attention-falana/|url-status=live}}</ref> citing his failure to make any public appearances over a two-week period.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 May 2017|title=Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria"s President urged to take medical leave|url=http://pulse.ng/local/muhammadu-buhari-nigerias-president-urged-to-take-medical-leave-id6612668.html|access-date=21 August 2017|website=pulse.ng|archive-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829010945/http://www.pulse.ng/local/muhammadu-buhari-nigerias-president-urged-to-take-medical-leave-id6612668.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bolashodun|first=Oluwatobi|date=28 April 2017|title=BREAKING: President Buhari absent at Friday Juma'at prayer in Aso Villa|url=https://www.naij.com/1101886-breaking-president-buhari-absent-juma-prayer-aso-villa.html|access-date=21 August 2017|website=naij.com|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803222157/https://www.naij.com/1101886-breaking-president-buhari-absent-juma-prayer-aso-villa.html|url-status=live}}</ref> President Buhari again left Nigeria for a reported health check-up in [[London]] on 7 May 2017.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 May 2017|title=Again, Buhari travels to UK for check-up, hands over to Osinbajo|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/buharill-still-travel-london-medicals-presidency/|access-date=10 May 2017|archive-date=12 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512002747/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/buharill-still-travel-london-medicals-presidency/|url-status=live}}</ref> President Buhari returned to Nigeria from his medical leave in the United Kingdom 104 days after leaving, on 19 August 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Buhari returns after lengthy UK medical treatment|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/nigeria-buhari-return-lengthy-uk-treatment-170819134302820.html|access-date=21 August 2017|website=www.aljazeera.com|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820230206/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/nigeria-buhari-return-lengthy-uk-treatment-170819134302820.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Adeshida|first1=Abayomi|last2=Agbakwuru|first2=Johnbosco|last3=Nwabughiogu|first3=Levinus|last4=Ajayi|first4=Omeiza|title=After 104 days on medical vacation…Finally, Buhari returns|newspaper=[[Vanguard (Nigeria)|Vanguard]]|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/104-days-medical-vacation-finally-buhari-returns/|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831215926/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/104-days-medical-vacation-finally-buhari-returns/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 May, Buhari left Nigeria to London for medical check up, upon arrival from USA; and he returned on Friday 11 May 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buhari returns from UK medical trip|work=Punch Newspapers|url=http://www.punchng.com/buhari-returns-from-uk-medical-trip/|access-date=12 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511232111/http://www.punchng.com/buhari-returns-from-uk-medical-trip/|url-status=live}}</ref> === Economy === Buhari was an attractive choice to many Nigerians because of a perceived incorruptible character.<ref name=":0" /> Once in power, Buhari who had earlier mobilized supporters in three previous elections was slow to manifest his intention to solve problems he mentioned during his campaign. Determination to initiate his domestic policy agenda like naming of cabinet officials took six months,<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|last1=Obadare|first1=Ebenezer|title=Current History|date=May 2017|volume=116|issue=790|url=http://www.currenthistory.com/Article.php?ID=1414|journal=|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214142500/http://www.currenthistory.com/Article.php?ID=1414|url-status=live}}</ref> while the passage of the 2016 and 2017 budgets were delayed by infighting. In Buhari's first year in office, Nigeria suffered a decline in commodity prices which triggered an economic recession.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 March 2011 |title=Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's 'new broom' president in profile |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-12890807 |access-date=13 December 2022}}</ref> To source funds to close shortfall in revenue and fund an expansionary capital budget, Buhari traveled to 20 countries seeking loans.<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 2016 |title=Economy Thwarts Buhari |journal=Afr Res Bull Econ |volume=53 |issue=4 }}</ref> Thereby, expansionary budget allocation to finance infrastructure was pushed back to a further date.<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=18 November 2016 |title=Political schisms hit recovery and reform |url=http://www.africa-confidential.com/article/id/11829/Political_schisms_hit_recovery_and_reform |journal=African Confidential |volume=57 |issue=23 |access-date=18 November 2016 |archive-date=21 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121172005/http://www.africa-confidential.com/article/id/11829/Political_schisms_hit_recovery_and_reform |url-status=live }}</ref> In the first year of the administration, [[Naira]], the currency of Nigeria depreciated in the black market leading to a gulf between the official exchange rate and the black-market rate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Verbatim: Why I attempted absconding from office after becoming President — Buhari - OAK TV|url=https://oak.tv/attempted-absconding-officeri/|access-date=2 January 2017|work=oak.tv|agency=Oak TV|publisher=Oak TV|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103094211/https://oak.tv/attempted-absconding-officeri/|url-status=live}}</ref> A resulting shortage in foreign exchange hit various businesses including petroleum marketers. However, the gulf between the official rates and the black market rates opened up the opportunity for well connected individuals to engage in arbitrage, making a mockery of the president's anti-corruption image.<ref name="pill"/> In May 2016, the government announced a rise in the official pump price of petroleum to curtail shortfall in the commodity as a result of foreign exchange shortages.<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=1 July 2016 |title=NIGERIA: A Turbulent Year |journal=Afr Res Bull Econ |volume=53 |issue=5 }}</ref> [[File:Third GECF summit in Tehran 21.jpg|thumb|Buhari with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]], Venezuelan President [[Nicolás Maduro]] and other leaders at the [[Third GECF summit]] in Tehran]] In 2016, the country's economy declined by 1.6% and in 2017 per capita economic growth is projected to be negligible. Buhari's first tenure as head of state coincided with a decline in oil prices similar to his second stint but his administration has not shown dedicated effort to diversify sources of government spending.<ref name="pill">{{cite news |title=Nigeria has let a crisis go to waste |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2f7d3a24-66eb-11e7-8526-7b38dcaef614 |website=Financial Times |date=12 July 2017 |last1=Pilling |first1=David |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=15 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023426/https://www.ft.com/content/2f7d3a24-66eb-11e7-8526-7b38dcaef614 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2018 budget signaled an expansionary fiscal policy with funds dedicated to infrastructural projects such as strategic roads, bridges and power plants.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Buhari opens the war chest|journal=Africa Confidential|date=17 November 2017|volume=58|issue=23|url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12169/Buhari_opens_the_war_chest|language=en|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214202744/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12169/Buhari_opens_the_war_chest|url-status=live}}</ref> Since an upturn in economic growth from the decline of 2016, a slow pace of recovery has the country behind many of its continental neighbors in GDP growth. Unemployment levels remain high and any effort to increase non-oil revenues has not improved while government deficit spending include a significant portion of its yearly budget dedicated to service debts.<ref name="vol6013">{{Cite journal|date=28 June 2019|title=The rise of Godwin Emefiele|url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12678/The_rise_of_Godwin_Emefiele|journal=Africa Confidential|language=en|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=23 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023154232/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12678/The_rise_of_Godwin_Emefiele|url-status=live}}</ref> Buhari with the support of the Central Bank chief initiated policies to improve agriculture production through lobbying private banks to lend to the sector and restriction of foreign exchange at official rates for importation of food product that are grown locally. In his second term, the budget minister, Udo Udoma and trade minister, Enemalah both of whom favored liberalisation were not returned.<ref name="vol60">{{Cite journal |date=30 August 2019 |title=Executive exerts its privilege |url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12727/Executive_exerts_its_privilege |journal=Africa Confidential |language=en |volume=60 |issue=17 |access-date=23 October 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003053134/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12727/Executive_exerts_its_privilege |url-status=live }}{{Cite journal |date=30 August 2019 |title=Executive exerts its privilege |url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12727/Executive_exerts_its_privilege |journal=Africa Confidential |language=en |volume=60 |issue=17 |access-date=23 October 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003053134/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12727/Executive_exerts_its_privilege |url-status=live }}</ref> The government continued to operate flexible exchange rates into the second term of the administration despite critics alluding to the exchange rate regime of being susceptible to arbitrage abuses and [[Round-tripping (finance)|round tripping]] by cronies of the government.<ref name="vol6013"/> === Social welfare === In 2016, Buhari launched the [[National Social Investment Program]], a national [[social welfare]] program.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 November 2016|title=Is the N-Power programme key to delivering a campaign promise?|url=http://venturesafrica.com/n-power-key-to-delivering-campaign-promise/|access-date=15 July 2020|website=Ventures Africa|language=en-US|archive-date=1 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701192731/http://venturesafrica.com/n-power-key-to-delivering-campaign-promise/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Program was created to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources to vulnerable populations, including children, youth, and women. There are four programs which address poverty, unemployment and help increase economic development:<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Social Investments Programme|url=https://n-sip.gov.ng/|access-date=15 July 2020|website=N-SIP|language=en-US|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808140917/https://n-sip.gov.ng/|url-status=live}}</ref> * The [[N-Power (Nigeria)|N-Power]] program provides young Nigerians with job training and education, as well as a monthly stipend of 30,000 [[Nigerian naira]] ([[USD]] $83.33). * Npower is a social investment scheme initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari on 8 June 2016 in an attempt to boost the youths employment rate. The scheme was established as a core component of the [[Pokercrew.xyz|National Social Investment program]] to cushion the skill acquisition training and capacity building in the [https://www.northnods.com/latest-npower-stipends-news/ beneficiaries.] * The Conditional Cash Transfer Program (CCTP) directly supports the most vulnerable by providing cash to those in the lowest income group, helping reduce poverty, improve nutrition and self-sustainability, and supporting development through increased consumption.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2022 |title=Full transcript of Buhari's interview with Bloomberg |url=https://punchng.com/full-transcript-of-buharis-interview-with-bloomberg/ |access-date=11 December 2022 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref> * The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP) is a micro-lending entrepreneurship program targeting farmers, petty traders and market women with a focus. This program provides no-cost loans to its beneficiaries, helping reduce the start-up costs of business ventures in Nigeria. The programs include: TraderMoni, [[MarketMoni]] and FarmerMoni. * The National Home Grown School Feeding Program (NHGSF) is attempting to increase school enrollment by providing free meals to schoolchildren, particularly those in poor and food-insecure regions. The program works with local farmers and empowers women as cooks, building the community and sustaining economic growth from farm to table. The program was previously co-ordinated from the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, until 2019, when the program was moved to the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under [[Sadiya Umar Farouq]]. In his 2019 Independence Day Speech, the President attributed the movement to the need to have the programmes institutionalized.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-says-n-power-others-will-be-institutionalised/)|title = Buhari says N-Power, others will be institutionalised|date = October 2019|access-date = 5 August 2020|archive-date = 4 December 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204194310/https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-says-n-power-others-will-be-institutionalised/|url-status = live}}</ref> === Anti-corruption === {{main|Buhari's anti-corruption war}} [[File:General_Buhari_holding_a_broom_at_a_campign_rally.jpg|thumb|Buhari holding a broom at a campaign rally in 2015.]] The [[$2 billion arms deal]] was exposed following the interim report of Buhari's investigations committee on arms procurement under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. The committee report showed extra-budgetary spending to the tune of N643.8 billion and additional spending of about $2.2 billion in the foreign currency component under Goodluck Jonathan's watch. Preliminary investigation suggested that about $2 billion may have been disbursed for the procurement of arms to fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. The investigative report indicated that a total sum of $2.2 billion was inexplicably disbursed into the office of the National Security Adviser in the procurement of arms to fight against insurgency, but was not spent for the purpose for which the money was disbursed. Investigations on this illegal deal led to the arrest of [[Sambo Dasuki]], the former National Security Adviser who later mentioned prominent Nigerians involved in the deal. Those who were mentioned and arrested includes [[Raymond Dokpesi]], the Chair Emeritus of [[DAAR Communications Plc]], [[Attahiru Bafarawa]], the former Governor of Sokoto State, and [[Bashir Yuguda]], the former Minister of State for Finance, [[Azubuike Ihejirika]], the [[Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria)|Chief of Army Staff]], [[Adesola Nunayon Amosu]], the former [[Chief of the Air Staff (Nigeria)|Chief of the Air Staff]], [[Alex Badeh]] and several other politicians were mentioned.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} On 21 December 2016, the government's Federal Ministry of Finance announced a whistle-blowing policy with a 2.5%-5% reward.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.internationallawoffice.com/Newsletters/White-Collar-Crime/Nigeria/Sofunde-Osakwe-Ogundipe-Belgore/Federal-Ministry-of-Finance-introduces-new-whistleblowing-initiative/|title=Federal Ministry of Finance introduces new whistleblowing initiative|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206165902/http://www.internationallawoffice.com/Newsletters/White-Collar-Crime/Nigeria/Sofunde-Osakwe-Ogundipe-Belgore/Federal-Ministry-of-Finance-introduces-new-whistleblowing-initiative|archive-date=6 February 2017}}</ref> The aim is to obtain relevant data or information regarding: the violation of financial regulations, the mismanagement of public funds and assets, financial malpractice, fraud, and theft.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}} In May 2018, the [[Economic and Financial Crimes Commission]] (EFCC), Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, announced that 603 Nigerian figures had been convicted on corruption charges since Buhari took office in 2015.<ref name=judgesandmilitary>{{cite web| url = https://allafrica.com/stories/201805290530.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180529132530/http://allafrica.com/stories/201805290530.html| archive-date = 29 May 2018| title = Nigeria: EFCC Secures 603 Convictions in Three Years - allAfrica.com}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428090013/https://allafrica.com/stories/201805290530.html |date=28 April 2020 }}</ref> The EFCC also announced that for the first time in Nigeria's history, judges and top military officers including retired service chiefs are being prosecuted for corruption.<ref name=judgesandmilitary /> The successful prosecutions were also credited to Buhari's EFCC head [[Ibrahim Magu]].<ref name=judgesandmilitary /> Under Buhari, Chief Justice of the Nigerian Court [[Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen|Walter Onnoghen]] was convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on 18 April 2019, for false assets declaration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/325953-breaking-cct-convicts-onnoghen-of-false-assets-declaration.html|title=CCT convicts Onnoghen of false assets declaration -|date=18 April 2019|website=Premium Times Nigeria|language=en-GB|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612152407/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/325953-breaking-cct-convicts-onnoghen-of-false-assets-declaration.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2019, [[Mohammed Bello Adoke]], the former Attorney General of the Federation, was extradited to Nigeria to stand trial on corruption charges.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former Nigerian attorney general arrested, to face corruption charges - Xinhua {{!}} English.news.cn|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/20/c_138646834.htm|access-date=13 July 2020|website=www.xinhuanet.com|archive-date=28 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428225314/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/20/c_138646834.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2020, however, Transparency International still gave Nigeria a low performance in its corruption perception index.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/23/transparency-international-scores-nigeria-low-on-corruption-perception-index/|title=Why Nigeria Was Ranked Low in Corruption Index – Transparency International|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407125427/https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/23/transparency-international-scores-nigeria-low-on-corruption-perception-index/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-nigeria-ranks-lower-on-transparency-internationals-corruption-index|title=Nigeria drops, ranked fourth most corrupt in West Africa on TI corruption index|date=23 January 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228112056/https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-nigeria-ranks-lower-on-transparency-internationals-corruption-index|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2020, Ibrahim Magu the EFCC chairman was arrested by the [[State Security Service (Nigeria)|Department of State Services]] (DSS) over damaging security reports concerning his activities as the Buhari administration's leading anti-corruption figure and alleged financial irregularities, he was later replaced by Mohammed Umar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 July 2020|title=Security agents arrest EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/401419-security-agents-arrest-efcc-chairman-ibrahim-magu.html|access-date=13 July 2020|language=en-GB|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712110937/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/401419-security-agents-arrest-efcc-chairman-ibrahim-magu.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Nwachukwu|first=John Owen|date=13 July 2020|title=EFCC: Ibrahim Magu opens up on 'N550b missing interest'|url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/13/efcc-ibrahim-magu-opens-up-on-n550b-missing-interest/|access-date=13 July 2020|website=Daily Post Nigeria|language=en-US|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713181943/https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/13/efcc-ibrahim-magu-opens-up-on-n550b-missing-interest/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Olisah|first=Chike|date=10 July 2020|title=Buhari appoints new Ag. Chairman of EFCC, gives reason for Magu's suspension|url=https://nairametrics.com/2020/07/10/buhari-appoints-new-ag-chairman-of-efcc-gives-reason-for-magus-suspension/|access-date=13 July 2020|website=Nairametrics|language=en-GB|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713144300/https://nairametrics.com/2020/07/10/buhari-appoints-new-ag-chairman-of-efcc-gives-reason-for-magus-suspension/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Mac-Leva|first1=Fidelis|last2=Mutum|first2=Ronald|last3=Jimoh|first3=Abbas|date=12 July 2020|title=All eyes on new EFCC helmsman, Mohammed Umar|url=https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/all-eyes-on-new-efcc-helmsman-mohammed-umar.html|access-date=13 July 2020|website=Daily Trust|language=en-GB|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713235714/https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/all-eyes-on-new-efcc-helmsman-mohammed-umar.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, Former Pension Reform Taskforce head Abdulrasheed Maina, who was arrested in the neighboring country of Niger after jumping bail, appeared in an Abuja court on a 12-count charge of fraud and money laundering.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55175746|title=Maina: Former Pension Reform Taskforce boss collapse for Abuja court|publisher=BBC News|date=3 December 2020|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206014754/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55175746|url-status=live}}</ref> Ali Ndume, a senator representing Borno South, was arrested after jumping bail as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://saharareporters.com/2020/12/22/aisha-buhari-magu-others-top-political-scandals-2020|title=Aisha Buhari, Magu, Others: Top Political Scandals In 2020|publisher=Sahara Reporters|date=22 December 2020|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222133407/http://saharareporters.com/2020/12/22/aisha-buhari-magu-others-top-political-scandals-2020|url-status=live}}</ref> === Security issues === ==== Niger Delta ==== Nigeria has the second-largest reserves of crude oil in Africa, reserves largely found in the Niger Delta region of the country. Years of oil production have resulted negative impact on farming and fishery by oil spillage.<ref name="hyrep222">{{Cite journal|date=13 September 2019|title=The oil clean-up that didn't?|url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12746/The_oil_clean-up_that_didn%27t|language=en|journal=|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=23 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023154231/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12746/The_oil_clean-up_that_didn%27t|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal|date=13 September 2019|title=The oil clean-up that didn't?|url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12746/The_oil_clean-up_that_didn%27t|journal=Africa Confidential|language=en|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=23 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023154231/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12746/The_oil_clean-up_that_didn%27t|url-status=live}}</ref> The government initiated Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to help clean up [[Ogoni people|Ogoniland]] while other state governors within the region want a similar setup. HYPREP was initiated in 2005 but has been slow to commence remediation works in Ogoniland.<ref name="hyrep222" /> Nonetheless, there are still intermittent attacks on oil facilities by groups such as the [[Niger Delta Avengers]]. This has significantly affected oil production leading to cuts in exports and government revenue.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url=https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21701124-nigerias-turbulent-oilfields-cannot-be-pacified-bribing-rebels-danegeld-delta|title=Danegeld in the Delta; The Niger Delta Avengers|date=25 June 2016|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624110234/http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21701124-nigerias-turbulent-oilfields-cannot-be-pacified-bribing-rebels-danegeld-delta|url-status=live}}</ref> The Avengers are waging conflict for greater economic and political autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Niger Delta Groups Deny Militants Have Ties To Political 'Looters', Call For Autonomy In Delta Area {{!}} Sahara Reporters |url=https://saharareporters.com/2016/09/26/niger-delta-groups-deny-militants-have-ties-political-%E2%80%98looters%E2%80%99-call-autonomy-delta-area |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=saharareporters.com}}</ref> ==== Shia Muslims ==== The [[Islamic Movement (Nigeria)|Islamic Movement of Nigeria]] led by Sheikh [[Ibrahim Zakzaky]] is one of the country's leading organization of Shia Muslims. Nigeria's Muslim population is mainly Sunni while the Shia population have gone through sporadic persecution by governments.<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22">{{Cite journal|date=2 July 2016|title=Nigeria's security under Buhari|journal=Strategic Comments|volume=22|issue=6|pages=iii–v|doi=10.1080/13567888.2016.1229389|s2cid=219693136}}</ref> After the Islamic movement was accused of an attack against Chief of Army Staff [[Tukur Yusuf Buratai|Tukur Buratai]] in December 2015, Zakzaky's base was shelled causing hundreds of fatalities while Zakzaky was arrested.<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22"/> Zakzaky was held for almost six years, aside from a three-day medical trip to India, until being acquitted and released in July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nigerian court acquits Shia leader el-Zakzaky of all charges |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/29/nigerian-court-acquits-shia-leader-ibrahim-zakzaky-of-all-charges |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831180733/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/29/nigerian-court-acquits-shia-leader-ibrahim-zakzaky-of-all-charges |url-status=live }}</ref> ====Biafra separatists ==== {{see also|Igbo nationalism|Biafra|Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria}} A separatist group, the [[Indigenous People of Biafra]] and led by [[Nnamdi Kanu]] became high profile in 2015 for advocating independence for a separate nation of [[Biafra]].<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22"/> A breakaway Biafra republic was briefly formed during Nigeria's Civil War. In October 2015, Kanu was arrested on allegation of treason, his arrest was followed by protests against his detention across many Southeastern states.<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22"/> Kanu later jumped bail and fled abroad to help lead the low-level [[insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria]] before being arrested by [[Interpol]] and brought back to Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oyero |first=Ezekiel |date=29 June 2021 |title=UPDATED: Nnamdi Kanu re-arrested, returned to Nigeria – Malami |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/470566-updated-nnamdi-kanu-re-arrested-returned-to-nigeria-malami.html |access-date=10 November 2022 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}}</ref> ==== Boko Haram ==== {{main|Boko Haram|Boko Haram insurgency}} Since 2015, the fight against the extremists has taken a new dimension, internally the groups have splintered into the traditional Boko Haram sect controlled by [[Abubakar Shekau]] and the [[ISWAP|Islamic State in West Africa Province]] controlled by [[Abu Musab al-Barnawi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/boko-harams-factional-feud|title=Boko Haram's Factional Feud|website=Council on Foreign Relations|language=en|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705033956/https://www.cfr.org/blog/boko-harams-factional-feud|url-status=live}}</ref> Other groups supported by [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]] such as [[Ansaru]], who were driven from Mali due to the French-led [[Operation Serval]] have surfaced and co-operated with Boko Haram despite being its rival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/islamists-ansaru-claim-attack-mali-bound-nigeria-troops-153819155.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202022322/http://news.yahoo.com/islamists-ansaru-claim-attack-mali-bound-nigeria-troops-153819155.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2013|title=Islamists Ansaru claim attack on Mali-bound Nigeria troops: paper - Yahoo! News|date=2 February 2013|access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref> This was mostly out of necessity, as the two factions could not risk to weaken themselves by fighting each other.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/what-ansaru-nigerias-other-militant-group-443785|title=What is the other militant Islamist group in Nigeria besides Boko Haram?|first=Conor|last=Gaffey|date=4 April 2016|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612204916/https://www.newsweek.com/what-ansaru-nigerias-other-militant-group-443785|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2020, over two hundred and fifty Ansaru members were killed in a police raid in [[Birnin Gwari]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/police-storm-ansaru-terrorists-camp-neautralise-250-terrorists-bandits/|title=Police storm ANSARU terrorists' camp, neautralise 250 terrorists, bandits|date=5 February 2020|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=7 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207180336/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/police-storm-ansaru-terrorists-camp-neautralise-250-terrorists-bandits/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2016, the government negotiated a deal with the terrorist group, Boko Haram which secured the release of 21 [[Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping|Chibok girls]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Porter|first=Steven|title=Schoolgirl hostage found almost three years after Boko Haram capture|date=5 January 2017|newspaper=Christian Science Monitor|location=Boston}}</ref> By December 2016, the government had recovered much of the territories previously held by Boko Haram and after the capture of [[Sambisa Forest]], Buhari announced that Boko Haram has been technically defeated. The insurgency displaced about 2 million people from their homes and the recapture of the towns now present humanitarian challenges in health, education and nutrition.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fick|first=Maggie|title=Boko Haram leaves traumatic legacy|date=28 November 2016|newspaper=Financial Times}}</ref> On 6 May 2017, Buhari's government secured a further release of 82 out of 276 girls kidnapped in 2014, in exchange of five Boko Haram leaders.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-security-idUSKBN1820P1|title=Nigeria exchanges 82 Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram for prisoners|date=7 May 2017|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=7 May 2017|archive-date=7 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507001419/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-security-idUSKBN1820P1|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 May 2017, President Buhari met with the 82 released Chibok girls, before departing to London, UK, for a follow-up treatment for an undisclosed illness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/05/08/buhari-departs-for-london-after-receiving-chibok-girls/|title=Buhari Departs for London After Receiving Chibok Girls|date=8 May 2017|access-date=7 June 2017|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510043054/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/05/08/buhari-departs-for-london-after-receiving-chibok-girls/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shekau committed suicide after his grouping was [[Battle of Sambisa Forest (2021)|encircled]] by ISWAP rivals in May 2021. In the following months, hundreds of "repentant" terrorists surrendered to the government, many likely loyal to Shekau.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Maclean |first1=Ruth |last2=Alfa |first2=Ismail |date=23 September 2021 |title=Thousands of Boko Haram Members Surrendered. They Moved In Next Door. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/23/world/africa/boko-haram-surrender.html |access-date=17 June 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ==== Herder–farmer violence ==== {{main|Herder–farmer conflicts in Nigeria}} {{see also|Communal conflicts in Nigeria}} The [[Middle Belt]] region of Nigeria has been vulnerable to clashes between farmers and cattle herders, two groups trying to secure arable land for grazing or farming and access to water.<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22" /> The intensity and politicization of the conflict along ethnic and religious divide increased during the administration of Buhari as instances of conflicts flared in parts of Southern Nigeria.<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22" /> About 300 civilians were killed in a village in [[Benue State]], Middle-Belt of the country and about 40 civilians were killed in Enugu in Southeastern Nigeria.<ref name="{{Cite journal}}...22" /> The violence has displaced upwards of 250,000 villagers<ref name="iss162">{{Cite journal|date=9 August 2019|title=High risks, low politics|url=https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12716/High_risks%2c_low_politics|journal=Africa Confidential|language=en|volume=60|issue=16|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=23 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023154230/https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/12716/High_risks,_low_politics|url-status=live}}</ref> who migrate to cities ill-prepared to handle the influx of migrants. The conflict between farmers many of whom are largely Christians and herders who are predominantly Muslims has stoked religious tension not helped when the president sent in military troops disarm ethnic Christian militias while critics allege of his lukewarm towards armed cattle herders.<ref name="iss162" /> The administration's effort to solve the conflict led to the National Livestock Transformation Plan to modernise cattle grazing and stabilize the Middle Belt region.<ref name="iss162" /> In 2017, RUGA, an acronym for Rural Grazing Area but also a word meaning settlement in Fulani was a proposed solution that came from deliberations of the transformation plan.<ref name="iss162" /> RUGA was to set aside grazing areas for herders as they migrate south, however, many Southern states opposed any involuntary acquisition of land for RUGA and the plan was suspended<ref name="iss162" /> ==== Banditry in Northern Nigeria ==== Since 2015, the Buhari Administration has suffered with an increased spate of banditry-related activities in [[Northern Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://punchng.com/banditry-in-nigeria-a-brief-history-of-a-long-war/|title=Banditry in Nigeria: A brief history of a long war|website=Punch Newspapers|date=27 December 2018|language=en-US|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612225859/https://punchng.com/banditry-in-nigeria-a-brief-history-of-a-long-war/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Abuja]]-[[Kaduna]] highway has been termed the "highway of kidnapping", due to the rampant atrocities committed by bandits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/abuja-kaduna-highway-of-kidnapping.html|title=Abuja-Kaduna Highway of Kidnapping|date=16 July 2017|website=Daily Trust|language=en-GB|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612184411/https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/abuja-kaduna-highway-of-kidnapping.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2020, the Northern Elders Forum, a socio-political organisation, said the administration has failed Nigerians in terms of security.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://punchng.com/buhari-has-failed-nigerians-say-northern-elders/|title=ICYMI: Buhari has failed Nigerians, say northern elders|website=Punch Newspapers|date=10 February 2020|language=en-US|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214150117/https://punchng.com/buhari-has-failed-nigerians-say-northern-elders/|url-status=live}}</ref> By July 2021, about 45 people a day were kidnapped, largely by bandits for ransom.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nigerians Are Being Kidnapped For Ransom — But This Time It's Not Boko Haram |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/14/1016093356/nigerians-are-being-kidnapped-for-ransom-but-this-time-its-not-boko-haram |website=[[NPR]] |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=1 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901174708/https://www.npr.org/2021/07/14/1016093356/nigerians-are-being-kidnapped-for-ransom-but-this-time-its-not-boko-haram |url-status=live }}</ref> Other bandits focused on stealing cattle, [[camel]]s, and other livestock while some groups attacked and seized control of entire villages and wider territories. The banditry lead to fears of collaboration between bandits and Northeastern terrorists with those fears being confirmed in August 2021 when the [[Nigeria Immigration Service]] reported that large groups of [[Zamfara State|Zamfara]]-based bandits were traveling to [[Borno State]] for training from [[Boko Haram]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-29 |title='Bandits travelling from Zamfara to Borno for terrorist training' |url=https://punchng.com/bandits-travelling-from-zamfara-to-borno-for-terrorist-training/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref> === National issues === ==== Ruga policy ==== {{Main|Ruga policy}} The Buhari administration introduced the controversial [[Ruga policy]] (human settlement policy), aimed at [[Conflict resolution|resolving]] the conflict between nomadic [[Fulani herdsmen]] and sedentary farmers. The policy, which is currently suspended, would "create reserved communities where herders will live, grow and tend their cattle, produce milk and undertake other activities associated with the cattle business without having to move around in search of grazing land for their cows."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/rethinking-the-ruga-policy/|title=Rethinking the Ruga policy|date=5 July 2019|website=Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics|language=en-US|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612205447/https://thenationonlineng.net/rethinking-the-ruga-policy/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Alleged militarization ==== Buhari has faced a lot of criticism in office. In 2019 his government came under widespread criticism over the unfair treatment<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 March 2020|title=End Unfair Trial Of Sowore, Amnesty International Tells Nigerian Government|url=http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/11/end-unfair-trial-sowore-amnesty-international-tells-nigerian-government|access-date=11 April 2020|website=Sahara Reporters|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411024103/http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/11/end-unfair-trial-sowore-amnesty-international-tells-nigerian-government|url-status=live}}</ref> of US-based Social Activist [[Omoyele Sowore|Sowore]] during his trial, despite the court granting him bail.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Court grants Sowore N100m bail, requests N50m security deposit|url=https://punchng.com/breaking-court-grants-sowore-n100m-bail-requests-n50m-security-deposit-2/|access-date=11 April 2020|website=Punch Newspapers|date=4 October 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411024057/https://punchng.com/breaking-court-grants-sowore-n100m-bail-requests-n50m-security-deposit-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> This move was largely condemned, with [[Omoyele Sowore|Sowore]] himself stating that Buhari had violated his civic space.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ogundipe|first=Samuel|date=14 November 2019|title=Sowore speaks from custody, says Buhari out to destroy civic space - Premium Times Nigeria|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/363012-sowore-speaks-from-custody-says-buhari-out-to-destroy-civic-space.html|access-date=11 April 2020|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411024055/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/363012-sowore-speaks-from-custody-says-buhari-out-to-destroy-civic-space.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2019, Nigeria's Newspaper Giants: [[The Punch|PUNCH]] stated that henceforth they would addressed Buhari's administration as a "regime"<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Buhari: The general and the democracy|url=https://punchng.com/buhari-the-general-and-the-democracy/|access-date=11 April 2020|website=Punch Newspapers|date=17 December 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411024052/https://punchng.com/buhari-the-general-and-the-democracy/|url-status=live}}</ref> and subsequently address him as "General Buhari"<ref name=":3" /> as his military-like administration was a far cry from [[democracy]]. They insisted that he was a 'military dictator',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigerian newspaper says it will now call President Buhari a 'military dictator'|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/11/africa/nigeria-newspaper-calls-president-military-dictator/index.html|access-date=11 April 2020|website=CNN|date=11 December 2019|language=en|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411024057/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/11/africa/nigeria-newspaper-calls-president-military-dictator/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a move that was greeted with mixed receptions on [[social media]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Opejobi|first=Seun|title=Nigerians react as Punch changes Buhari's title to 'Major General'|date=11 December 2019|url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/12/11/nigerians-react-as-punch-changes-buharis-title-to-major-general/|access-date=11 April 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411024054/https://dailypost.ng/2019/12/11/nigerians-react-as-punch-changes-buharis-title-to-major-general/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== COVID-19 pandemic ==== [[File:Secretary Blinken Meets With Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (51700506018).jpg|thumb|Buhari meets with US Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] in 2021]] {{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria}} {{See also|Nigerian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic}} Following the outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria]], Buhari established a Presidential Task Force for the control of the virus in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-names-task-force-on-coronavirus/|title=Buhari names task force on coronavirus|last=Daka|first=FTerhemba|date=10 March 2020|website=The Guardian|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613173313/https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-names-task-force-on-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 March, Buhari's chief of staff [[Abba Kyari (politician)|Abba Kyari]] tested positive for COVID-19 sparking fears that Buhari may have been infected, it was later revealed that Buhari tested negative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/president-buharis-top-aide-tests-positive-coronavirus-nigeria|title=President Buhari's Top Aide Tests Positive for Coronavirus in Nigeria|website=Council on Foreign Relations|language=en|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409073726/https://www.cfr.org/blog/president-buharis-top-aide-tests-positive-coronavirus-nigeria|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 March, Buhari announced a two-week lockdown on major cities Abuja, Lagos and Ogun.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/nigeria-announces-lockdown-major-cities-curb-coronavirus-200330095100706.html|title=Nigeria announces lockdown of major cities to curb coronavirus|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619155511/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/nigeria-announces-lockdown-major-cities-curb-coronavirus-200330095100706.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 October, the presidential task force on COVID-19 warned about a potential second wave "if the guidelines and protocols are not adhered to strictly".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ajimotokan|first=Olawale|date=13 October 2020|title=Nigeria May Witness Second Wave of Covid-19, Says PTF|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202010130031.html|access-date=15 October 2020|website=allAfrica.com|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108224733/https://allafrica.com/stories/202010130031.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== End SARS protests ==== {{main|End SARS}} In October 2020, protests against alleged police brutality of a special police unit of the [[Nigeria Police Force|Nigerian Police Force]] the [[Special Anti-Robbery Squad]] (SARS) erupted in Lagos and other major cities. The [[End SARS|End SARS movement]] with no centralised leadership beyond the small assembly that organized the initial protests, share similarities with the [[Occupy Nigeria|2012]] [[Occupy movement]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Attiah|first=Karen|title=Opinion: For the sake of democracy, Nigeria's #EndSars campaign against police brutality must prevail|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/13/sake-democracy-nigerias-endsars-campaign-against-police-brutality-must-prevail/|access-date=15 October 2020|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014210805/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/13/sake-democracy-nigerias-endsars-campaign-against-police-brutality-must-prevail/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 October, a day after demonstrators declared their demands Buhari announced the disbandment of SARS and promised "extensive police reforms".<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 October 2020|title=Sars ban: Two dead in Nigeria police brutality protests|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54506567|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014182855/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54506567|url-status=live}}</ref> Since independence in 1960, the Nigerian Police Force has been at the forefront of tackling organised crime in Nigeria with the recent spate of banditry, cultism, drug trafficking, fraud and kidnapping drastically affecting its personnel capacity,<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 August 2020|title=The price of underpolicing|url=https://www.thecable.ng/the-price-of-underpolicing|access-date=15 October 2020|website=TheCable|language=en-US|archive-date=4 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204194324/https://www.thecable.ng/the-price-of-underpolicing|url-status=live}}</ref> leaving a vacuum for SARS members to exploit and commit extrajudicial killings.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ukomadu|first=Felix Onuah, Angela|date=13 October 2020|title=Nigeria's Buhari promises police reform; one protester killed|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-protests-police-idUSKBN26X1RE|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013211014/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-protests-police-idUSKBN26X1RE|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 October [[Mohammed Adamu]] the [[Inspector General of Police (Nigeria)|Inspector General of Police]] announced the creation of a new unit the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) to take over the duties of SARS.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 October 2020|title=IGP announces new squad "SWAT" to replace SARS|url=https://guardian.ng/news/igp-announces-new-squad-swat-to-replace-sars/|website=The Guardian|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=16 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016182919/https://guardian.ng/news/igp-announces-new-squad-swat-to-replace-sars/|url-status=live}}</ref> This move did not satisfy most demonstrators, who expected a substantial overhaul of the police structure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 October 2020|title=Nigeria's youth finds voice in police brutality protests|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20201014-nigeria-s-youth-finds-voice-in-police-brutality-protests|access-date=15 October 2020|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020162558/https://www.france24.com/en/20201014-nigeria-s-youth-finds-voice-in-police-brutality-protests|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 October, the demonstrations continued with at least ten protestors being killed, and violent clashes occurring between pro-SARS and anti-SARS protesters with the elite [[Presidential Guard Brigade (Nigeria)|Presidential Guard Brigade]] intervening in the federal capital.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 October 2020|title=#ENDSARS: Soldiers attack Protesters, Journalists in Abuja|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/endsars-soldiers-attack-protesters-journalists-in-abuja/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014182201/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/endsars-soldiers-attack-protesters-journalists-in-abuja/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 June 2021, there was a deployment of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army to the streets, Nationwide to curb the planned protest by the Youths, The demonstration of this was to prevent the incidents from the End Sars Protest that happened October 2020<ref>{{cite web |title=End Sars |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/467285-june-12-protest-live-updates-from-nigerian-streets.html |website=Premuim Times |date=12 June 2021 |publisher=AZAGBA |access-date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=12 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120734/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/467285-june-12-protest-live-updates-from-nigerian-streets.html |url-status=live }}</ref> === Foreign policy === {{See also|List of international presidential trips made by Muhammadu Buhari}} [[File:Ali Khamenei receives Muhammadu Buhari in his house.jpg|thumb|Buhari with Iranian Supreme Leader [[Ali Khamenei]], 23 November 2015.]] [[File:The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari calling on the President of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, in Abuja, Nigeria on September 27, 2016. The Vice President of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo is also seen (1).jpg|thumb|Indian [[Vice president of india|vice president]] [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari]] with Buhari at the State House in Abuja, Nigeria on 27 September 2016. The Vice President of Nigeria, [[Yemi Osinbajo]], is pictured on the right.]] [[File:P20211102AS-1201-2 (51846814909).jpg|thumb|Buhari with US President [[Joe Biden]], 2 November 2021]] Buhari described the [[Rohingya persecution in Myanmar (2016–present)|military crackdown]] by the [[Myanmar Army]] and police on [[Rohingya people|Rohingya Muslims]] as ethnic cleansing and warned of a disaster like the [[Rwandan genocide]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-un-nigeria/nigerian-president-likens-myanmar-crisis-to-bosnia-rwanda-genocides-idUSKCN1BU26Q|title=Nigerian president likens Myanmar crisis to Bosnia, Rwanda genocides|date=19 September 2017|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=24 October 2017|archive-date=30 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930223201/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-un-nigeria/nigerian-president-likens-myanmar-crisis-to-bosnia-rwanda-genocides-idUSKCN1BU26Q|url-status=live}}</ref> Nigeria and South Africa between them share about 50% of Africa's economic output but both countries macroeconomic structure is hampered by high poverty rates, youth unemployment and decline in capital investment.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Makwembere|first=S|date=31 December 2015|title=Hallmarks of irresponsible and unresponsive governance: Internal xenophobic attacks in South Africa's municipalities|journal=The Journal for Trans-disciplinary Research in Southern Africa|volume=11|issue=4|doi=10.4102/td.v11i4.47 |issn=2415-2005|doi-access=free}}</ref> About 600,000 Nigerians have emigrated to South Africa to seek out better economic opportunities and like in Nigeria, it is an economy struggling with its own high unemployment rates. Tensions between migrants and the local populace have occasionally flared up, in 2008, 2015 and in 2019. The last resulted in the violence between migrants including Nigerians and black South Africans. The leaders of both countries met in early October 2019, to discuss measures to improve the relationship between both countries which has been affected not only by anti-migrant violence in South Africa both issues about profit repatriation by South African firms operating in Nigeria.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} Buhari is the first president to call for a global treaty to end violence against women and girls.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matthew |first=Agbaje |title=Group lauds Buhari over treaty to end violence against women, girls |url=https://wuzupnigeria.ng/news/group-lauds-buhari-over-treaty-to-end-violence-against-women-girls |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=WuzupNigeria |date=26 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. 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