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President Muhammadu Buhari's Administration: Achievements Across Key Sectors
Since taking office, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has focused on various development projects aimed at improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, economy, and social welfare. This comprehensive report outlines the key accomplishments made by his government across several sectors, ranging from education and healthcare to transport and housing.
1. Education Sector
President Buhari’s administration has made strides in the educational sector, particularly with the establishment of several new institutions. Among these are the Colleges of Education set up in six states: Bauchi, Benue, Ebonyi, Osun, Sokoto, and Edo. These new colleges are expected to boost teacher training and contribute to the overall development of the education system in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Federal Polytechnic in Daura, Katsina State, stands as another landmark achievement. By creating more educational institutions, the government aims to enhance access to education, especially in regions where the educational infrastructure was lacking. These efforts demonstrate Buhari's commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education in the country.
2. Healthcare Sector
The healthcare sector has seen notable improvements under President Buhari’s administration. Several new healthcare facilities have been established to serve different regions of the country, including the Airforce Referral Hospital in Daura, the NAF Base Stand Hospital in Bauchi, and the Women and Children Hospital, also in Daura.
In addition to these new hospitals, specialized health facilities such as the National Cancer Center in Abuja and the Cancer Center at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital have been completed. These centers are crucial in addressing the increasing cancer cases in the country and providing better treatment options for patients.
Other significant hospitals include the 44 Military Hospital in Kaduna, which plays a critical role in treating military personnel and civilians alike. These healthcare projects are part of a broader effort by the government to improve the overall healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality medical care.
3. Financial Support to States
A key achievement of President Buhari’s tenure has been the financial bailout provided to 27 state governors across Nigeria. These states received financial assistance amounting to billions of dollars, allowing them to meet their financial obligations, including paying salaries, pensions, and completing development projects.
The bailout was crucial in addressing the financial struggles faced by several states, particularly in light of the economic downturn that affected Nigeria during Buhari's administration. By offering this support, the federal government helped stabilize state economies and enabled governors to continue essential public services, thereby preventing further economic decline.
4. Infrastructure Development
President Buhari’s administration has made substantial progress in infrastructure development, focusing on bridges, ports, roads, and more. These projects are crucial for improving Nigeria’s transportation network and promoting economic growth.
5. Bridges
One of the most significant projects is the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, a critical infrastructure development aimed at easing traffic and promoting trade in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The Loko-Oweto Bridge, connecting Nasarawa and Benue states, is another notable project that enhances connectivity between the north and the southeast.
6. Ports
The revival and construction of ports have been another major focus. The Baro Inland Water Port and the Kaduna Dry Port were completed to facilitate trade and commerce, particularly in landlocked areas. These ports are expected to boost the movement of goods, reducing the cost and time associated with imports and exports.
Additionally, the Eastern Port in Delta State and the Bony Bridge and Road project in Rivers State aim to revitalize the maritime sector, making Nigerian ports more competitive and accessible. These projects are essential for improving the country’s trade capacity and reducing congestion at Lagos ports.
7. Federal Highways
Several federal highways have been reconstructed or expanded under Buhari’s leadership, including the Lagos-Sagamu-Ibadan Expressway, the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway. These roads are vital for both passenger travel and the movement of goods, connecting major economic hubs across the country.
Other key projects include the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Road in Lagos, the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi Expressway. These road developments significantly reduce travel time, improve safety, and support economic activities.
7. Airports
President Buhari's administration also upgraded several airport terminals, including new terminals at Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu airports. These new facilities are part of an effort to modernize Nigeria’s aviation sector and provide world-class services to both domestic and international travelers.
The new Abuja Airport Runway and Terminal are particularly notable for improving flight safety and increasing passenger capacity. These upgrades are expected to boost Nigeria's aviation sector, making it more competitive on a global scale.
8. Power Sector
Improving electricity generation and distribution has been one of Buhari’s priorities. Under his administration, several power plants have been completed, including the Dadin Kowa Power Plant in Gombe and the Kashimbilla Hydro Power Plant. These plants aim to increase the nation’s electricity supply and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.
In addition to large-scale projects, Buhari's government implemented independent power supply projects for several markets, such as the Ariaria Market in Aba, Abia State, and the Sabon Gari Market in Kano State. Independent power plants were also installed in 37 universities and seven teaching hospitals, improving power reliability for these institutions.
Oil exploration efforts have also been reinvigorated, particularly in Bauchi State, while over 200 billion Naira has been allocated to universities, marking the largest-ever financial support for higher education in Nigeria’s history. These initiatives highlight Buhari’s focus on strengthening the country's energy and education infrastructure simultaneously.
9. Railway Sector
The revival of Nigeria’s railway system has been a standout achievement of President Buhari’s administration. Several new rail lines have been constructed, connecting key regions across the country. Notably, the Abuja-Kaduna Train service has become a popular mode of transport for both passengers and goods.
Other railway projects include the Itakpe-Warri rail line, which connects Kogi State with Delta State, as well as the Lagos-Abeokuta-Ibadan route. These new rail lines are essential for reducing traffic congestion on roads, providing a faster and more efficient means of transportation for people and goods.
In addition, the Lagos-Kaduna Cargo Train service has significantly improved the transportation of goods between Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, and Kaduna, a key industrial center in the north. The establishment of a Train Assembly Plant in Ogun State further underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the railway sector and reducing reliance on road transport.
10. Trade and Investment
President Buhari’s policies have attracted significant investments in Nigeria, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. One of the most notable achievements is the establishment of WACOT, the largest rice mill in Africa, located in Kebbi State. This development has been a crucial part of the government’s efforts to boost local rice production and reduce dependence on imports.
In Kaduna State, OLAM, the largest feed mill in Africa, has been established, further strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Additionally, the Sunti Sugar Company in Niger State, the largest sugar production facility in Africa, is another testament to the success of Buhari's investment policies.
These investments have not only created jobs but also increased Nigeria’s capacity to produce key agricultural products, reducing the need for imports and supporting local industries.
11. Social Intervention Programs
Under Buhari’s leadership, several social intervention programs have been launched to improve the standard of living for Nigerians, particularly those in vulnerable groups. One of the most impactful initiatives has been the introduction of a new minimum wage of N30,000, benefiting workers across the country.
The NPower program has provided job opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians, while the School Feeding Program has improved nutrition for children in public schools. Other initiatives, such as TraderMoni, FarmersMoni, and MarketMoni, have offered financial support to small-scale traders, farmers, and market women, empowering them to grow their businesses.
These programs reflect Buhari’s commitment to addressing poverty and unemployment, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
12. Pension and Gratuity Payments
Another major achievement of the Buhari administration has been the settlement of outstanding pension and gratuity payments for public servants. This includes the payment of pension arrears for Biafra soldiers, retired police officers, and former employees of the Nigerian Airways.
By addressing these long-standing issues, the government has brought relief to thousands of retirees who had waited years for their entitlements. This has improved the quality of life for many elderly Nigerians and restored confidence in the pension system.
13. Water Supply and Dam Projects
Water supply and irrigation projects have also been a focus of the Buhari administration. Several major projects have been completed, including the Central Ogbia Regional Water Project in Bayelsa State, the Sabke/Dutsi/Mashi Water Supply Project in Katsina, and the Kashimbilla Dam in Taraba State.
These projects are essential for providing clean drinking water to communities, supporting agriculture, and preventing floods. The Ogwashi-Uku Dam in Delta State and the Shagari Dam Irrigation Project in Sokoto State are particularly important for improving irrigation and boosting agricultural productivity in those regions.
14. Housing Sector
The housing sector has also seen significant developments under President Buhari's administration. One of the key initiatives has been the construction of 10,000 estate housing units in each of Nigeria’s 36 states. These housing projects aim to address the country’s housing deficit and provide affordable homes for citizens.
The Buhari Quarter Housing Scheme is another initiative aimed at increasing homeownership across Nigeria. This project focuses on providing affordable housing to low- and middle-income earners, contributing to the overall improvement of living standards in the country.
In Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has achieved significant milestones across multiple
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