Amaechi mourns Buhari: “Nigeria has lost a true Statesman”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed profound grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82.

In a heartfelt tribute released on Tuesday, Amaechi described Buhari as a dedicated leader whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress left an enduring legacy.

“I am profoundly shocked with the news of the passing of my former boss, President Muhammadu Buhari,” Amaechi stated.

“Nigeria has lost a true statesman whose love for his country and its people has been evident over the years.”

Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022 under Buhari’s administration, highlighted the former president’s deep passion for improving Nigeria, particularly for uplifting the poor.

“In the period I worked with him, I saw and felt his passion for a better Nigeria. He loved Nigeria deeply and believed in uplifting the poor,” he said.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Amaechi credited Buhari’s support for transformative infrastructure projects, particularly in the transportation sector.

He noted, “He supported my projects as Minister of Transportation, like the modernisation of Nigeria’s railways, providing a more affordable and comfortable means of transportation accessible to both the rich and poor.”

Amaechi cited key projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, Port Harcourt-Aba, Kaduna-Kano, Kano-Maradi (Niger Republic), and Abuja-Kaduna railway lines, emphasizing that Buhari “stood with me, and true to his promise of revamping Nigeria’s railway system.”

Amaechi also praised Buhari’s backing of maritime security initiatives, particularly the Integrated Maritime Surveillance and Security Infrastructure, known as the Deep Blue Project.

“Former President Buhari also applauded and supported my initiative to provide an enduring solution to the insecurity that hitherto plagued Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said, noting that the project led to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of high-risk maritime nations.

Additionally, Amaechi acknowledged Buhari’s support for the Lekki Deep Seaport and other significant projects, stating, “He was also in support of my dogged efforts in ensuring the commencement and completion of the Lekki deep seaport and other notable projects. I truly appreciate his love, believe and strides towards making Nigeria a better country and his selfless service to the country.” He concluded by affirming Buhari’s status as “a true Nigerian Statesman.”

Addressing Buhari’s family, Amaechi extended condolences: “To his dear wife, Aisha, and his beloved children, we are with you in this period of mourning. May Allah grant him eternal rest.”

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, was widely recognized for his anti-corruption efforts and commitment to national development.