At Nigeria House in New York, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked his condolences at the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, affirming the late leader’s critical contributions to national and regional stability. Guterres’ signing of the condolence register symbolized the UN’s solidarity with Nigeria during a period of mourning.
The Secretary-General’s tribute described Buhari as a paragon of “selfless service” with dedicated leadership that strengthened governance structures within Nigeria and championed peace across the African continent. He further highlighted Buhari’s commitment to global cooperation, stating, “President Buhari was a great supporter of the United Nations and a strong voice for multilateralism.”
Reflecting on their collaboration, Guterres praised Buhari for his persistence in defending Nigeria’s interests and advancing sustainable development on the continent through multilateral initiatives. He acknowledged Buhari’s significant role in stabilizing West Africa: “In a very difficult context, he affirmed Nigeria’s leadership.”
The Nigerian diplomatic mission welcomed the acknowledgement of Buhari’s statesmanship by the UN chief. Buhari’s complex career spans military and democratic leadership, leaving a legacy remembered after his burial in his hometown Daura at age 82.