Nigeria and the international community are mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82 and was laid to rest on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State. Tributes have poured in from various dignitaries, organizations, and ordinary citizens, reflecting on his complex legacy.

Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), shared that Buhari was initially uneasy with politics but suppressed these feelings for the sake of governance. She described him as a man of unwavering discipline, deep conviction, and steadfast patriotism, whose legacy transcends Nigeria’s borders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also praised Buhari's commitment to promoting regional peace and security in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin, highlighting his advocacy for multilateral and regional cooperation. The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS offered condolences, noting Buhari's dedication to multilateralism and the international rule-based order.

International leaders, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and King Mohammed VI of Morocco, expressed their grief. King Mohammed VI referred to Buhari as an “illustrious leader” who worked tirelessly for his country's interests, leading to promising development projects and stronger ties between their nations. Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded Buhari as a hero whose patriotism, humility, and incorruptibility were unparalleled in Nigerian history. He described Buhari's death as a significant loss, leaving a vacuum difficult to fill.

Domestically, former officials and private sector leaders remembered Buhari. Ayiri Emami, former Deputy Director of the Muhammadu Buhari 2019 Presidential Re-election Campaign Committee, praised him as a man of unmatched integrity and a staunch defender of the rule of law. Emami highlighted Buhari's non-interference in democratic processes, even allowing opposition victories in off-season elections. He also recalled Buhari's contributions as Petroleum Minister under General Olusegun Obasanjo, overseeing the construction of 21 depots, expanded pipeline networks, and storage facilities. As a democratically elected President, Buhari's administration saw the completion of key infrastructural projects like the Warri-Itakpe Rail Line and the Second Niger Bridge. Former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, expressed her deep condolences, recalling the honor of serving under him.

The Organized Private Sector, through the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), described Buhari as a reform-minded leader. Dr. Chinyere Almona of the LCCI acknowledged his administration's pursuit of structural changes amidst difficult economic challenges, crediting him with a deep commitment to fighting corruption, blocking revenue leakages, and developing infrastructure. Significant policy breakthroughs included the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020), annual Finance Acts, and initiatives like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Whistleblower Policy, which aimed to boost investor confidence and improve fiscal transparency. While recognizing varied opinions, the LCCI affirmed Buhari's focus on systems building, local content, and self-sufficiency would remain relevant. Francis Meshioye of MAN noted Buhari’s attention to the manufacturing sector, despite economic headwinds during his tenure.

Political figures and traditional rulers across Nigeria also offered tributes. The All Progressives Congress (APC) directed the closure of its secretariats, with National Vice Chairman (North West) Garba Datti emphasizing Buhari's unwavering loyalty and principled leadership. The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, described Buhari as the 'pride of the North,' personifying dignity, honor, and restraint. Col. Abubakar Umar (retd), former military governor of Kaduna State, called him one of 'Nigeria's golden generation of leaders.' The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) both recognized his commitment to Northern Nigeria and his sincerity of purpose, respectively, despite acknowledging policy disagreements and challenges.

However, Buhari's tenure was not without criticism. Critics maintain that some policies, like the ban on rice importation, exacerbated poverty and hunger as local supply could not meet demand. Towards the end of his second term, the controversial Naira Swap policy, intended to curb vote-buying, led to severe currency shortages and commodification of new notes, a policy later discontinued by President Bola Tinubu's administration.

Across Northern Nigeria, a profound sense of grief pervaded, marked by public holidays, flags at half-mast, and solemn prayer sessions. In Gombe, thousands performed Salat al-Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia), with clerics asking for Allah's mercy. Similar prayers were held in Yobe and Bauchi, where an Islamic school organized a three-day prayer session. Many residents and students reflected on Buhari's life of simplicity, honesty, and patriotism, even those who questioned his policies. Noor Buhari, the former president's daughter, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing her heartbreak and praying for his soul's peaceful rest. The outpouring of grief and reflection highlights the deep impact Muhammadu Buhari had on Nigeria and beyond, leaving behind a complex but undeniably influential legacy.