Nigeria under Buhari: Achievements and Challenges
Many debates surround the leadership of President Buhari in Nigeria. While some argue that he has lacked the 'guts' to effectively implement necessary reforms, others have highlighted specific accomplishments. This article delves into Buhari's performance, weighing his achievements against the challenges he faced during his presidency.
Introduction
President Muhammadu Buhari has served Nigeria since 2015, facing numerous challenges such as security, corruption, and economic instability. The political landscape in Nigeria has long been characterized by a complex interplay of political will, economic pressures, and societal expectations. In this article, we will explore Buhari's leadership through the lens of his vision, accomplishments, and the obstacles he encountered.
Challenges and Criticisms
From the outset, President Buhari's leadership has been criticized for its perceived lack of vision and decisive action. Critics argue that he described Nigeria's situation as akin to a "gutless Mao," suggesting that he lacks the boldness to address the nation's issues.
Security remains a major concern in Nigeria, and Buhari's government has struggled to provide adequate protection for citizens. The country has witnessed an increase in violent incidents, and Buhari's administration has been criticized for not taking sufficient steps to address these issues.
Food Security and Rising Prices
One of the myriads of challenges includes the failure to effectively address food security, a topic that gained prominence during the pandemic. Buhari's government has made some progress, such as increasing food production to some extent, but there is still much to be done to ensure long-term food security.
Additionally, the cost of living has surged, particularly the prices of foodstuffs. Despite some measures taken, the rise in prices continues to affect the Nigerian populace.
Corruption and Reforms
Corruption flourished under Buhari's watch, especially in the oil sector. His administration has not been without blame in perpetuating corruption. While claims of reforms were made, the lack of tangible progress in curbing corruption has been a persistent source of criticism.
Achievements and Positive Impacts
Despite the challenges, Buhari's administration has achieved certain notable accomplishments. Here are some of the highlights:
Infrastructure Development
The development of major infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna rail lines, represents significant capital investments that will benefit the nation in the long term. These projects are designed to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth.
Education and Social Programmes
The school feeding programme has been touted as a positive initiative. This programme is crucial in addressing the issue of malnutrition among young Nigerians, a problem that has haunted the country for decades.
Buhari’s administration has also been commended for ensuring timely salary payouts, which is a necessity considering the government is the largest employer in the country.
Free and Fair Elections
A notable achievement is the successful holding of free and fair elections in Edo state in 2020. Despite some controversies, this was seen as a positive step toward democratic governance.
Industry and Agriculture
The government has undertaken initiatives to support industry and agriculture. For instance, loans were provided to farmers to increase farm produce. Notably, this also exposed fraud within the oil sector, prompting a closer examination of national consumption.
Conclusion
Buhari's presidency in Nigeria has been marked by a mix of achievements and challenges. While there are critics who may argue that the government lacks the necessary decisiveness and will, there are also those who point to positive developments. The true measure of his leadership may lie in the long-term impact of the initiatives and the steps taken to address critical issues such as security, corruption, and economic stability.