The United Nations has joined the growing list of global institutions and leaders mourning the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a private medical facility in London at the age of 82.
In an official statement released through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his condolences and acknowledged Buhari’s legacy as a statesman dedicated to national sovereignty, regional peace, and global cooperation.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari,” Guterres said in the statement from UN headquarters in New York. “During his tenure, President Buhari demonstrated a deep commitment to the sovereignty, stability and development of his country. He also played a key role in promoting regional peace and security in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin.”
The Secretary-General praised Buhari’s leadership during his two-term presidency from 2015 to 2023, particularly his influence on the international stage and his efforts to combat terrorism in the region. Under Buhari’s watch, Nigeria remained a key player in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and led several joint security operations targeting insurgent groups in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
Guterres also described the late Nigerian leader as “a strong advocate for multilateral and regional cooperation,” underscoring his dedication to ECOWAS and the African Union. His administration’s involvement in peacekeeping operations and cross-border collaborations to enhance regional stability earned him respect among African leaders and international diplomats alike.
At the UN headquarters in New York, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed visited Nigeria House to personally sign the condolence register. Mohammed, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment during Buhari’s administration, offered heartfelt prayers and described him as a principled leader who stood firm on his convictions.
“He was a true patriot who believed in his country, believed in his people, and did the best that he could,” she told reporters after signing the register. “His unwavering discipline, deep conviction, and steadfast patriotism shaped the decisions he made, even in the most difficult moments.”
Mohammed emphasized Buhari’s role in elevating Nigeria’s presence in multilateral discussions and advocating for Africa’s priorities in global forums. She said his voice often echoed the continent’s interests, whether on climate change, terrorism, economic reform, or debt restructuring.
“President Buhari consistently stood for Africa at every platform where our voices needed to be heard,” she added. “He did not just lead Nigeria; he represented the collective will of a continent striving for growth, dignity, and respect on the global stage.”
Buhari’s contributions to the international community were particularly visible during Nigeria’s push for reform at the United Nations, including calls for greater African representation in the Security Council. His administration also took strong positions at climate summits and international financial gatherings, advocating for climate justice, technology transfer, and fairer terms of trade for African economies.
Tributes have continued to pour in from other parts of the world. The African Union, ECOWAS, and the Lake Chad Basin Commission have each released condolence messages, describing Buhari as a stabilizing force and a principled negotiator. In London, where the late president passed away, the UK government also issued a statement recognizing Buhari’s impact on global counterterrorism efforts and regional diplomacy.
In Nigeria, the news of his passing has united the nation in mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast across government buildings, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a seven-day national mourning period. A condolence register has been opened at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps continue to file in to pay their respects.
Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy is complex but undeniably significant. As a former military ruler who transitioned to democratic leadership, he is remembered for his campaign against corruption, his efforts to combat insecurity, and his attempts to reposition Nigeria as a continental powerhouse. While his tenure was met with criticism in areas such as economic policy and human rights, many agree that Buhari’s leadership style was marked by discipline, restraint, and a genuine belief in national service.
Analysts note that his global stature rose during his second term, with key international relationships built around security cooperation, economic development, and regional diplomacy. His administration maintained strategic alliances with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, China, and regional African governments.
Back in his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, preparations are underway for Buhari’s final burial. The late president’s body, which arrived in Nigeria on Monday, is being transported to Daura, where he will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites. Residents have flooded the streets in anticipation, waving banners and offering prayers for the man they consider a native son and national hero.
In reflecting on his death, many observers have pointed to the arc of Buhari’s public life—from his early days in the Nigerian Army to becoming a military head of state in 1983, a prisoner of conscience after his ousting, and eventually, a twice-elected democratic president. His life, shaped by conviction and controversy, remains one of the most defining chapters in Nigeria’s modern history.
As the international community mourns his loss, the words of UN Secretary-General Guterres perhaps best summarize Buhari’s enduring impact: “President Buhari will be remembered as a champion of national sovereignty, a statesman of integrity, and a builder of regional peace.”
Reporting by Africa Live News
Follow us for continuing coverage on national tributes, international reactions, and Buhari’s legacy at www.africalivenews.com and across our social platforms.
