Determining the “best” president of Nigeria from 1960 to date is subjective, as it depends on the criteria being used, such as economic growth, infrastructure development, social impact, democratic reforms, or military strength.
However, a few Nigerian leaders are often highlighted for their positive contributions:
1. Obafemi Awolowo (1919-1987) – Premier of Western Nigeria (not a President but worth mentioning for impact):
- Although not a Nigerian president, Awolowo played a significant role as the premier of the Western region. He is often praised for his visionary leadership, particularly in introducing free primary education and improving health services in the region. His policies had a long-lasting influence on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963-1966) – Nigeria’s First President:
- Azikiwe is celebrated as Nigeria’s first ceremonial president after the country gained independence. A key figure in the fight for independence, Azikiwe’s legacy includes promoting nationalism and unity across ethnic divides. However, his role was largely symbolic since the Prime Minister held executive power during his presidency.
3. Shehu Shagari (1979-1983):
- Shagari was the first executive president of Nigeria after the return to civilian rule. Despite a brief presidency due to a military coup, he focused on improving agriculture and housing, launching the Green Revolution aimed at increasing food production. His administration, however, faced accusations of corruption.
4. Olusegun Obasanjo (1976-1979, 1999-2007):
- Obasanjo is often regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders, serving as both a military head of state and later as a civilian president. He is widely credited for the following:
- Debt Relief: Under his administration (1999-2007), Nigeria secured $18 billion in debt forgiveness from international creditors, reducing Nigeria’s external debt by over 60%.
- Economic Growth: His government oversaw Nigeria’s economic resurgence, liberalizing key sectors such as telecommunications, which led to the rise of the mobile industry.
- Strengthening Democracy: Obasanjo played a crucial role in stabilizing Nigeria’s fragile democracy post-military rule, though he faced criticisms for alleged corruption and attempts to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits .
5. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2010):
- Although his presidency was cut short by illness, Yar’Adua is remembered for his integrity and commitment to reforming Nigeria. Key highlights of his presidency include:
- Amnesty Program for the Niger Delta Militants: Yar’Adua brokered peace in the restive Niger Delta by introducing an amnesty program that provided education and employment opportunities to militants, significantly reducing violence in the region.
- Rule of Law and Transparency: He is remembered for being a president who genuinely respected the rule of law, even admitting that the election that brought him to power was flawed(FlashLearners)(TechCity).
6. Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015):
- Jonathan’s legacy is a mix of economic growth and social challenges. Key aspects of his presidency include:
- Peaceful Transfer of Power: Jonathan is widely respected for conceding defeat in the 2015 elections, the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president handed over power peacefully after losing at the polls.
- Economic Growth: His administration was credited with improving Nigeria’s GDP, making Nigeria the largest economy in Africa in 2014. However, critics argue that his government failed to tackle corruption effectively(Leadership News).
7. Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985, 2015-2023):
- Buhari served as a military leader in the 1980s and later as a democratically elected president. His presidency has been marked by both successes and challenges:
- Anti-Corruption Campaign: Buhari is known for his strong stance against corruption, although some argue the anti-corruption fight has been selective.
- Security and Economy: Buhari focused on fighting Boko Haram insurgency and revitalizing Nigeria’s economy through agriculture and infrastructure. However, many Nigerians were dissatisfied with the slow progress on economic recovery and rising insecurity during his second term(TechCity).
Who Stands Out as the Best?
- Olusegun Obasanjo is often regarded as one of the most impactful Nigerian presidents due to his role in consolidating democracy, securing debt relief, and promoting economic growth. His long-standing influence in both military and civilian rule makes him a dominant figure in Nigerian leadership.
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, despite his brief tenure, is praised for his dedication to transparency, rule of law, and resolving the Niger Delta crisis, which helped stabilize parts of the country.
- Goodluck Jonathan also garners respect for his peaceful concession of power, setting a democratic precedent in Nigeria.
Ultimately, the “best” president can vary based on what one values more—economic growth, democratic progress, anti-corruption efforts, or social development.