Buhari Administration Research Articles

Combating Corruption in Nigeria: A Case Study of Public Prosecution under Buhari’s Administration (2015-2023)

The menace of corruption in Nigeria has lingered on for years, the conscious awareness towards this malady has gained prominence over the years, to the extent that the main opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC), ascended to power in the 2015 General Elections, emerging victorious at the polls with anti-corruption campaign, echoed by the change mantra. This study dissected the much-anticipated fight against corruption in the eight years of Muhammadu Buhari’s APC led administration; it unravels that the principle The menace of corruption in Nigeria has lingered on for years, the conscious awareness towards this malady has gained prominence over the years, to the extent that the main opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC), ascended to power in the 2015 General Elections, emerging victorious at the polls with anti-corruption campaign, echoed by the change mantra. This study dissected the much-anticipated fight against corruption in the eight years of Muhammadu Buhari’s APC led administration; it unravels that the principle of rotation of power with its patron-client network and identity politics are enablers of corruption in Nigeria. Similarly, it is posited that plea bargain constitutes a huge hindrance to the successful eradication of corruption in Nigeria, just as the poor reward system for career public office holders constitutes a challenge to the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The study concluded that the Buhari administration’s fight against corruption, although had Nigerians filled with hopes from inception, could not achieve much in the end with the anti-corruption Caesar (Ibrahim Magu) removed in what appears as a power play. We recommend the establishment of institutional mechanisms to prevent corruption, review of reward system for public officers, creation of credit system to facilitate citizens’ immediate access to meeting their needs, prosecution of civil/public servants who are complicit in corrupt practices, and compensation of whistleblowers, among other measures.

An Examination of Nigeria and United States Relations: A Theoretical Perspective

The diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States over the years have been marred by ups and down, progressive and regressive character. This paper examined the diplomatic relations between both countries under the Goodluck Jonathan and General Buhari’s administration (2011-2021). The paper focused on both countries diplomatic relations specifically on pandemic response and health, bilateral economic engagement, educational and cultural exchanges and peace and security engagement. Anchoring the paper’s theoretical review on trait theory of the leadership, the paper reviewed the collected historical data and conducted a comparative analysis of Goodluck’s administrations’ foreign relations with the United States (2011-2015) and that of his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2021). The review revealed that Goodluck and Buhari shuttle diplomacy is yet to achieve a convincing impact on the international community in terms of establishing a strong foreign relation with the U.S and the challenges of Nigeria's foreign relations is how to overcome its integrity crisis, and thereby securing the desired respect for its citizens internationally. This paper further revealed that Buhari's foreign relation with the United States has more impact on Nigeria's economy than that of Goodluck administration, even though the challenges are still present in the Buhari administration such as the Boko-Haram insurgency, unemployment, farmers-headmen crises, kidnapping, police brutality, and so on. The paper recommended that for Nigeria to promote a viable national interest it must pursue and promote a dynamic and assertive foreign relation with the United States and other big nations of the world.

Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act 2021 & Host Communities Development: Issues & Challenges

The signing of the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 by the Buhari administration signified a paradigm shift from voluntary to statutory mandated community investment strategy of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. In order words, the discretionary Community investment strategies (Memorandum of Understanding) hitherto employed by oil and gas production and exploration companies to ameliorate the squabbles between them and their respective host community, and thereby gain unhindered access to operate no longer obtains. The deployment framework, processes and procedures to guide its (PIA) implementation is stated in the ACT. Also, further clarifications on gray areas in the ACT were expounded in the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) guidelines. However, despite the robustness of the ACT and the NUPRC guidelines, settlors and host communities alike have raised pertinent questions regarding its implementation. The paper is aimed at objectively identifying the existing gaps in the Petroleum Industry Act and the NUPRC guideline as it relates to the host community component with a view to suggests/recommends possible solutions.

Democratic Governance and the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria Under Buhari Administration

The output of democratic process depends on the nature, character and pattern of administrative leadership of the democratic leader piloting the affairs of the state. Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed different administrations or regimes with concomitant implications on democratic governance. Despite abundant human and natural resources in the country, the realization of the dividends of democracy are not being enjoyed by the citizens because of political leaders controlling state affairs. This study examines the challenges of Buhari's administration and its implication on democratic governance in Nigeria between 2015-2023. The study adopted descriptive and documentary research methods and relied majorly on secondary data and elite theory was adopted as the theoretical orientation of the study. The study revealed that the major challenges of leadership in Nigeria under the Buhari's administration are corruption, non-adherence to the rule of law and banditry related issues which serves as impediments to democratic governance in Nigeria. The study, however, recommends that the government should set up independent corrupt agencies with personalities who have integrity to run it, so that the issues of corruption will be ameliorated. Government should also allow the judiciary to independently carry out their judicial function without any political interference and further allow the law to take its course at every set time without violating the principle of rule of law as propounded by Albert Venn Dicey. Government should strategize effectively using the security apparatus of the state to create an enabling environment that is secure for all to stay and not having fear that the security of the populace is not guaranteed because of inability to stop the ongoing and lingering banditry issue of grave security concern to Nigeria and to the international community at large. The study concluded that there is need to have a strong agency comprising of individual that has integrity, the professionalism of conduct of lawyers and purging of the legal system who has compromise to subvert the justice system and strong strategic provision of effective security apparatus will help to mitigate this issues that has devoid the people to believe that they are not enjoying the benefit of democratic system.

Exchange Rate Management Reforms and Restoring the Dignity of the Naira

This article provides comprehensive advice to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) on exchange rate management in order to restore exchange rates to pre-President Buhari administration levels. Nigeria's exchange rate dynamics have witnessed significant changes in recent years, and this article presents a multifaceted approach to address the challenges faced by the FGN. By examining the historical context and global economic trends, this article offers policy recommendations encompassing fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms. It aims to guide the FGN in achieving stability and competitiveness in the international foreign exchange market. Keywords: Fiscal policy, Monetary policy, Exchange rate management, Structural reform

Assessment of Nigeria’s External Image: The Buhari Administration Under Review

This paper examined contending issues in Nigeria’s external image management under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Some of these issues have presented daunting challenges which have negatively undermined the capacity of the Nigerian state to meet the lofty aspirations of her citizens in the areas of security, unemployment and rising cost of goods and services to mention a few. This study is focused on dissecting these contending domestic challenges with a view to recommending actionable steps to forge a visible, robust and progressive posture in the international arena. This is core to Nigeria’s national interest and foreign policy objectives as the debilitating effect of near gloomy and not-too positive image some of these lingering domestic challenges portend for the country cannot be left to rhetorically hang like sword of the Damocles over the country. The study discovered that the reticent nature of the Muhammadu Buhari administration since its advent administration in 2015, partly explains the escalation of some domestic challenges and subsequently snowballing into international miasma over the country’s image. The study recommends increased budgetary allocation to Nigeria’s foreign missions with special emphasis on those with high volume of immigrant traffic and economic ties. The Diaspora Commission should be retooled to immediately provide legal representation to Nigerians suffering from minor human right violations before it becomes full blown diplomatic rows.

Jonathan and Buhari Administration’s Involvement of China in the Modernization of the Nigerian Railway

Jonathan and Buhari Administration’s Involvement of China in the Modernization of the Nigerian Railway

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration and the Change Mantra in Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy is credited with an abundance of natural and human resource endowments placing it potentially, among resource-rich nations and raising hopes of its development potentials. Contrary to this potentiality, the country remains underdeveloped with a large portion of the population living below all indices of human development. Democracy offers hope for pragmatic changes to leadership and government policies in society’s quest for change and stability. It was on this basis that numerous disenchanted Nigerians embraced the prospect of ‘change’ put forward as campaign slogan by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress against the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party in the run-ups to the 2015 elections. Consequently, Mr. Buhari was sworn in as President on the back of his change mantra, on the 29th of May 2015 with his party remarkably defeating an incumbent president. The party was re–elected for another four years in 2019 arguably aided by factors of incumbency and some remnant of civil optimism. After the expiration of his eight year tenure, there are questions on the performance of the Buhari administration that need exploration, viz-a-viz performance to voters’ expectations; the party’s delivery relative to party manifesto; and public disposition to, and perception of standard of living under the administration. Eight years after this government, were they able to introduce the much needed change? How far did they go in fulfilling some of their laudable promises as contained in their manifesto? Did they live up to the expectations of the citizens? This paper seeks to answer these questions through evaluation of the major promises made to the citizens by the ‘Change Mantra’ government. The social contract theory was employed. The paper relies on secondary means of data collection and is analyzed using descriptive analysis and narrative report. The study concludes that the Government did not live up to the citizen’s expectations and most of their promises were never accomplished. The study recommends that corrupt politicians should be jailed to serve as a deterrent to others. Our political culture should be changed; citizens should begin to demand for dividends of democracy from their elected representatives

Challenges of Shrinking Civic Space and the Path towards Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: Lessons from the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration

This paper examines the experienced challenges of shrinking civic space and the path towards sustainable democracy in Nigeria during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. It discusses the etymology and problems of shrinking civic space in Nigeria under democratic dispensation. The paper also highlights the potential consequences and some practical instances of shrunk civic spaces during Buhari’s administration. It goes further to link the concept, roles, setbacks and examples of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)and how they attempted to promote and safeguard civil space. The paper identifies the connectivity between Marxism and Liberalism theory in the Nigerian civic space and highlights the efforts made by these theories to address the shrinking of civil space. Furthermore, it presents a comprehensive analysis of the prospects and challenges of the civic space in Nigeria and provides steps for policy reforms as a roadmap towards achieving sustainable democracy. The researchers recommend amongst others that the government should prioritize transparency and accountability in its actions and policies. This could be done by promoting access to information and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions and combating corruption. By promoting transparency and accountability, the government is most likely to build trust with citizens, strengthen democratic institutions, and create an environment conducive to sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

The Impact of Government Institutions on the Attainment of Good Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria Under the Buhari Administration (2015-2023)

Objective: This paper aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the impact of government institutions on the attainment of good governance for sustainable development in Nigeria during the Buhari Administration (2015-2023). It focuses on government institutions' statutory functions in relation to good governance, sustainable development policies, and legislative and policy reforms to promote good governance and sustainable development. Theoretical Framework: This study is underpinned by institutional theory, which de-emphasizes self-interest. The establishment and upkeep of governance institutions exemplify an unwavering dedication, irrespective of the outcomes. The theory of institutions elucidates the growth and structural dynamics of public sectors, drawing upon illustrative instances of successful organizations across various nations. Government institutions and state agencies in Nigeria bear the responsibility of executing good governance policies and assessing their impact on sustainable development. Method: The study employed a straightforward sampling strategy to gather data from 101 individuals from 17 government agencies in Nigeria. A questionnaire was employed as a means of data collection. The questionnaire's validation process involved using Lawshe's template, resulting in a content validity ratio (CVR) of 1. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using the Cronbach alpha technique, yielding a coefficient alpha value of 0.80. The survey was conducted using a method that did not include direct contact with the participants and the data obtained was analyzed by calculating the frequency of responses and expressing them as percentages. Findings: A higher number of participants recognized their legal responsibilities in accordance with good governance. Sustainable development policies were ineffective, limiting their success. From 2015 to 2023, Buhari's policies failed to ensure lasting good governance and development. Statistical significance was established using chi-square statistics, showing a p-value of .000 (p < 0.05). Thus, effective governance duties of government institutions are linked to sustainable development policy success. Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and inefficiency plague institutions seeking excellent governance for sustainable development. Conclusion: Sustainable development requires a balance between effective policies and governance structures. The Federal Republic of Nigeria's constitution requires government institutions to carefully follow their constitutional commitments.

National Question: Attack on Liberty and Faith in Nigeria (2015 – 2023)

Purpose: The value of the citizens’ liberty in Nigeria and their freedom of worship became greatly assaulted during the twin-light of the Jonathan administration by insurgency of the Boko Haram genre in the north east leading to the administration’s defeat in the 2015 general election. But the attacks became accentuated and worse when the Buhari administration took over on the promise of using his military background to confront the crisis having done so previously during the Maitasene riot in 1983. But since 2015 countless lives have been lost in all fronts in the country with the administration and its security architecture being held responsible for colluding with the insurgents, bandits or terrorists.
 Methodology: This paper which adopts the doctrinal method, surveyed, studied and examined the crisis of the breach of the constitutional and fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of worship during the Buhari administration and came to the conclusion that they degenerated to the lowest ebb, making the study necessary in order to highlight the failings of the administration and the exasperation of the citizens. The main sources of materials in this study are newspapers and other documentary reports.
 Findings: It found that the life of an ordinary citizen no longer mattered and that his freedom of worship was so endangered (as exemplified in the bombing of the church in Owo by the terrorists) that the administration threw up its constitutional responsibility in abdication. Peaceful co-existence and the place of religion in the stability of the nation were called into question and the worthlessness of the liberty of the Nigerian citizen raised the issue of the National Question in an era of wanton extra-judicial killings.
 Unique contributions to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends enhanced religious tolerance and bringing criminals to justice.

Historical Assessment of Nigeria as Food-Importing Nation and the Multiplier Effects of the Ban on Rice Importation by Buhari's Administration

Historical Assessment of Nigeria as Food-Importing Nation and the Multiplier Effects of the Ban on Rice Importation by Buhari's Administration

Debt Crisis and Nigerian Economy: An Assessment of the Buhari Administration (2015-2021)

External debt or recourse to loan borrowing is an effective measure providing alternative funding to augment limited monetary resources of a country in her quest for economic development. This loan, when appropriately used, advance infrastructural development that brings great dividend to the citizens but a departure from this put pressure on the economy which might lead to economy doldrums. Therefore, the aim is to examine if continuous loan actually generate economy buoyancy
 The study use qualitative analysis. Hence, it adopts a case-study research design approach. Primary data were generated from interviews with experts in the field of debt management and researchers in the area of political economy. Also, secondary data such as; journals, articles, books, library websites, newspapers, theses and dissertation and Debt Data documented by the Debt Management Office (DMO) available for a seven-year period (2015-2021).
 The paper found out that mismanagement and misappropriation of borrowed funds are the bane of development in Nigeria. Also, government neglect to economy diversification has made recourse to loan taking desirable as a source of alternative revenue for the country.
 Therefore, it was recommended that better debt policies to restructure and checkmate debt profile in Nigeria should be instituted while diversification of the economy will address the debt-to-revenue ratio impact of borrowing.

The Politics of Exclusion & Governance in Nigeria: A Thematic Analysis of the Buhari Administration

This study's overarching purpose is to explore the challenges of imbalance and exclusion in our national life between/among states, social and ethnic/religious groups in light of the recent appointments made by the Buhari administration on diversity in Nigeria. This is due to the fact that people who have been excluded have continued to worry over President Muhammadu Buhari's previous nominations. It is an established fact that good governance is characterized by transparency, responsiveness, participation, the rule of law, equity, and accountability. Its fundamental beliefs consist of accommodating and tolerating the various viewpoints of political opponents through intentional inclusion in the political affairs of one's country. Since the inception of democratic dispensation in 1999, governance in Nigeria has always been based on politics of exclusion, both in terms of the opinions of individuals whose contributions are necessary for the development of the country and in terms of the political appointments of individuals from specific areas/sections. These leaders who have attained State authority, control State resources and begin to decide "who gets what, when, and how" in the political system with little or no regard for the country's overall cohesion and progress. The data in this study were analyzed using a qualitative, descriptive technique. Using elite theory, the paper discovered that unless our leaders eschew ethnic, religious, and partisan politics in governance, the clamour for disintegration and crises caused by these ethnic groups will continue to incite unnecessary distractions that will lead to disunity and underdevelopment in Nigeria. .

An Examination of the Effectiveness of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan in Nigeria

Right from the independence and especially since the return to democratic governance in 1999, the successive governments in Nigeria have made concerted efforts in economic and development planning. Nigeria’s quest for a sustainable development roadmap has been a torturous one since independence with various plans and policies developed to fast-track the economy. However, no meaningful change has been witnessed thus making all successive governments come up with different development blueprints on how to rejig the economy. The Buhari Administration has come up with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), a Medium-Term Plan for 2017-2020 which was built on the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) to restore economic growth while leveraging the ingenuity and resilience of the Nigerian people. It is sufficient to say that the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) was a medium-term, all-around developmental initiative that focused on restoring growth, investing in people, and building a globally competitive economy. The main objective of this paper is to examine the performance of the plan as a developmental state paradigm for “Nigeria's economic recovery”. Data were generated from secondary sources. The study revealed that, even though ERGP was implemented properly, its expected positive impact on GDP growth, reduction of inflation, and unemployment is not satisfactory. Accordingly, restructuring of the economy through diversification needs to be seriously sustained in Nigeria.
 Keywords: Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), Nigerian Populace, Strategic Implementation Plan, Nigerian Economy, Development Planning

Buhari Administration and the Nigerian Niger-Delta Region, 2015 – 2021

This study examined the Buhari administrations response to the myriad of problems in the Niger Delta region. The role it played in stopping the volatile and insecurity of the region. The research also traced the history of the Region in Nigeria. A retrospect and review of the facts was made, in order that scholars would have an insight on perceptions as well as the strategic challenges the Buhari administration passed through in bringing peace to the region. The study relied on documentary data. The documentary data were sourced from newspapers, journal papers, internet sources and correspondence. The documentary was subjected to internal and external criticism for authentication, and then to textual and contextual analyses. It also complimented the secondary data with few primary data, from interviews. The research identified the reasons why the Niger Delta is considered most peaceful of all the regions in Nigeria.

Economic Performance of Former President Muhammad Buhari (2015-2023): A Thematic Review.

Economic Performance of Former President Muhammad Buhari (2015-2023): A Thematic Review. Monsuru A. Sodeeq 1192-1199 Jul 14, 2023 Economics Economic Performance of Former President Muhammad Buhari (2015-2023): A Thematic Review. Monsuru A. Sodeeq Institute of Applied Knowledge DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7703 Received: 28 May 2023; Revised: 13 June 2023; Accepted: 17 June 2023; Published: 14 July 2023 ABSTRACT This study critically examines the economic performance of Former President Muhammad Buhari during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. Employing a thematic method of literature reviews categorizes economic activities based on topical issues under the administration of the government. The analysis reveals significant progress and challenges experienced during the Buhari administration’s economic policies. Key focus areas include fiscal management, foreign direct investment, job creation, security, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. By examining each thematic area, this study presents a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape throughout the studied period. The findings of the study contribute to a nuanced understanding of the economic performance during the Buhari presidency, highlighting achievements such as improved fiscal discipline, increased foreign direct investment inflows, and the implementation of social welfare initiatives. However, challenges such as unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent poverty are also identified. Based on the study’s findings, recommendations are provided to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on further enhancing Nigeria’s economic fortune. These recommendations emphasize the need for sustainable job creation, enhanced infrastructure development, and the diversification of the economy through strategic sectoral investments. This study offers valuable insights into the economic performance of the Buhari administration, shedding light on both accomplishments and challenges faced. The recommendations aim to guide future economic policies and foster improved economic outcomes for the Nigerian population under the incoming government.

National Question: Attack on Life and School in Nigeria

Insecurity in Nigeria during the Buhari administration has got so high that the administration has become suspect. The target of school children and students of tertiary institutions only goes to establish the confessed aim of Boko Haram insurgency as being anti-western education. Thus when Deborah Samuel was murdered by Boko Haram extremists who claimed to have been appalled by her posting of an alleged blasphemous text-message denigrating Holy Prophet Mohammed on her 200 level Home Economics WhatsApp Platform at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, curiosity for this paper arose. This study which employs the doctrinal method surveyed the critical issues involved in the kidnap of school children and the negative impact it has had on the future of education particularly in the north. It observes that the vulnerability of the schools and the student is a soft target and a sure way to undermine the integrity of the Nigerian State in its constitutional role to protect lives and property and advance the right to education of the Nigerian child. It finds that both the State and the International community have been unable to put their acts together and the dangers posed are tremendous. It concludes that until the Buhari administration leaves office in 2023, the danger posed by insecurity to the territorial integrity of the country may not be curbed as the administration appears to be die-in-wool with the insurgents, bandits and terrorists.

The Domestic Environment of International Relations in Nigeria

This paper examined the domestic environment of international relations by conducting a study of the Nigerian state, under the Buhari administration. It investigated the nature of the linkages between the domestic environment and international altercations or cooperation. Where previous works concentrated on how the domestic setting influenced foreign policy-output and consequent international reaction(s), this contribution focused on how the domestic environment begot foreign policy reaction from the other actors on the international podium. The general objective of the study was to determine the character of the international relations which Nigeria’s domestic environment begets. A specific objective of the work was to identify some trajectories of these general tendencies under the Buhari administration. The study was framed on behaviouralism, bordering on man and his behaviour in states and organizations. The work adopted a qualitative methodology with secondary sources of data consulted. It found that Nigeria’s domestic environment has continued to weaken its giant-sized international capabilities. The country’s domestic impairments have consequently continued to beget for the African giant state, frequent scornful diplomatic relations from the other actors on the international scene. Corruption, egotism and venality of the leadership class remained the central contributory issues in the nation’s domestic derailments. The work recommends the institution of strong and altruistic leadership, as panaceas against disorder in the domestic environment of international relations in the case study state

Poor governance and massive unemployment in Nigeria: as causes of brain drain in the Buhari administration (2015-2020)

Poor governance and massive unemployment in Nigeria: as causes of brain drain in the Buhari administration (2015-2020)