The United Nations, UN, has joined global voices mourning the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari”.
The UN chief lauded Buhari’s contributions not only to Nigeria’s sovereignty and development but also to wider regional peace efforts
“During his tenure, President Buhari demonstrated a deep commitment to the sovereignty, stability and development of his country,” Guterres noted.
“He also played a key role in promoting regional peace and security in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin.”
Buhari, a former military ruler turned democratically elected president, was particularly recognized for his strong anti-corruption stance and his support for regional counterterrorism collaborations under multinational frameworks.
The Secretary-General also described Buhari as “a strong advocate for multilateral and regional cooperation,” a quality that cemented Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during his administration.
In New York, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed personally visited Nigeria House to pay her respects. Mohammed, who once served as Minister of Environment under Buhari, signed the condolence register and offered heartfelt prayers for the late leader’s soul.
“He was a true patriot who believed in his country, believed in his people and did the best that he could,” Mohammed said. She praised Buhari’s “unwavering discipline, deep conviction and steadfast patriotism,” adding that his legacy would outlive his presidency.
Mohammed further commended Buhari’s resolve in prioritizing Nigeria’s and Africa’s interests in global forums, saying his leadership often reflected the continent’s voice on issues like climate change, anti-terrorism, and economic reform.
