This is part 1 of a 5-part series
His phrase “if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria” became the de facto slogan of his election campaign. It hinged on three major pillars: economy, security, and corruption. His promises won him another term in 2019.
However, as Buhari prepares to leave office next year, it is time to address his legacy and whether he made good on his election promises.
Economic growth (GDP)
Nigeria’s economy entered recession twice in five years during Buhari’s tenure. The initial one during his first full year as president (in 2016) was Nigeria’s first recession in 25 years. The trigger was the dip in oil prices and the reduced capacity to produce crude oil: the price of crude oil fell from $112 per barrel in 2014 to $50 per barrel in August 2016 and crude oil production reduced by about 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.56 million bpd.
In 2020,
There's more to this story
Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.
cancel anytime
Already a a subscriber Sign In
Also in this in Depth:
beyond borders
Côte d’Ivoire: Organic pepper production sets sights on European market Ivorian producers are reinvesting in the pepper industry to focus on organic varieties. Jean-Eudes Kacou’s family owns a plantation about 100km north-west of Abidjan (Agnéby-Tiassa region) and gives the ins and outs of the trade.battle for supply
Dangote, the disruptor in the fertiliser industry After his successful entry into the inputs market, the Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote is yet to make his $2.5bn investment profitable and establish a lasting presence in West Africa, where he remains a modest player.Dollar Grip
African payments system can lower risk of sovereign-debt crises, Afreximbank chief says Wider adoption of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) can help prevent future sovereign-debt crises, Benedict Oramah, president of the African Export–Import Bank, tells The Africa Report.