Nigeria’s history is marked by a diverse range of leaders, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
While corruption and mismanagement have plagued the nation, some presidents have made notable contributions towards the development of the country.
In this article, we will explore the top presidents in Nigeria from 1960 till date, focusing on their achievements and the impact they had on the nation.
Note: This ranking was based on a Twitter Survey and opinions of Nigerians on the Social Media platform.
Ranking the Best Nigerian Presidents From 1960 Till Date
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007 to 2010)
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, despite his short-lived presidency, is often regarded as the best president Nigeria has ever had. He was the 13th President of Nigeria from 29 May 2007 to 5 May 2010.
Yar’Adua was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a former governor of Katsina State. Yar’Adua died in office in 2010 after a long illness.
His administration was marked by remarkable achievements, including:
- Declaration of assets, emphasizing transparency and integrity in governance.
- Introduction of the Niger-Delta Amnesty Programme, which brought an end to the violent agitations in the region.
- Initiating the dredging of the Niger River after a three-decade hiatus.
- Non-interference in judicial activities, fostering the independence of the judiciary.
- Completion of more than 15 major federal road projects inherited from the previous administration.
However, Yar’Adua’s presidency was not without flaws, as his election in 2007 was marred by allegations of rigging. His policies were also criticized for slowing down the nation’s progress and reversing some of the initiatives of his predecessor.
Olusegun Obasanjo (1999 to 2007)
Olusegun Obasanjo is a Nigerian retired military officer and statesman who served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as its president from 1999 to 2007. He was the first military ruler in Africa to hand over power to a civilian government.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo played a crucial role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy and served as both a military Head of State and a civilian president.
His notable achievements include:
- Successful transfer of power to civilian rule in 1979, setting a precedent for future transitions.
- Introduction of GSM service and significant reforms in the telecoms, pensions, and banking sectors.
- Privatization of public entities and the repayment of Nigeria’s foreign debts.
- Implementation of policies that led to economic growth and accumulation of healthy savings.
Obasanjo’s presidency, however, faced criticism for allegations of corruption and political witch-hunts. His attempt to extend his tenure for a third term tarnished his reputation.
Goodluck Jonathan (2010 to 2015)
Goodluck Jonathan is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He was the first person from the Niger Delta region to be elected president of Nigeria, and a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Goodluck Jonathan, who rose from being the Vice President to the presidency, focused on several key areas during his tenure.
His achievements include:
- Initiation and completion of infrastructure projects in roads, aviation, railways, and power.
- Introduction of educational initiatives such as the almajiri and girl-child education programs.
- Reforms in the justice system to improve its efficiency.
Jonathan’s presidency was marred by security challenges, including the infamous kidnapping of the Chibok girls. His government faced accusations of corruption and an inability to address security issues effectively.
Muhammadu Buhari (2015 to 2023)
Muhammadu Buhari is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. A retired Nigerian army major general, he served as the country’s military head of state from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état.
His achievements and challenges include:
- Initiation and implementation of major development projects in roads, railways, aviation, power, agriculture, and extractive sectors.
- Efforts to improve transparency and tackle corruption, exemplified by his tenure as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund.
- Criticism for nepotism, selective anti-graft war, and perceived inadequacy in addressing economic and security problems.
While Buhari’s administration has made significant strides in infrastructure development, it has faced criticism for governance challenges and policy shortcomings.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960 to 1966)
Although not a president, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, as Nigeria’s first elected Prime Minister, deserves a mention. He was known for advocating for the rights of the Northern people and made significant contributions to Nigeria’s independence movement.
Balewa’s government faced challenges such as election rigging and economic crises, and he was tragically assassinated during a military coup in 1966.
His achievements include:
- Strengthened Nigeria’s economy: Balewa’s government oversaw a period of economic growth in Nigeria. The country’s economy grew at an average rate of 6% per year during his tenure.
- Promoted education: Balewa’s government made education a priority. The number of primary schools in Nigeria doubled during his time in office, and the number of secondary schools tripled.
- Promoted foreign relations: Balewa’s government played a leading role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. Nigeria also established diplomatic relations with many countries around the world during Balewa’s time in office.
However, Balewa’s leadership was also marked by some challenges, including:
- The Biafran War: In 1967, the Eastern Region of Nigeria seceded from the country and declared itself the Republic of Biafra. The Biafran War lasted for three years and resulted in the deaths of over a million people.
- The first military coup: In 1966, Balewa was assassinated in a military coup. This coup led to a period of instability in Nigeria, which lasted for several years.
Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963-1966)
Nnamdi Azikiwe was a Nigerian statesman, journalist, and political leader who served as the first president of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. He was a leading figure in the Nigerian independence movement.
After Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, Azikiwe became the governor-general of Nigeria. He was then elected the first president of Nigeria in 1963.
Here are some of the achievements of Nnamdi Azikiwe:
- Founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC): The NCNC was the first major political party in Nigeria, and it played a leading role in the independence movement.
- Served as the premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria: Azikiwe was the first premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, and he oversaw a period of economic development and social progress.
- Became the first president of Nigeria: Azikiwe was the first president of Nigeria, and he served as a symbol of national unity.
- Promoted national unity and economic development: Azikiwe was a strong advocate for national unity, and he worked to promote economic development in Nigeria.
- Played a key role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU): Azikiwe was a key figure in the formation of the OAU, and he served as its first president.
Shehu Shagari (1979 to 1983)
Shehu Shagari was a Nigerian politician who served as the first democratically elected president of Nigeria, after the transfer of power by military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979 giving rise to the Second Nigerian Republic.
In 1979, Shagari was elected president of Nigeria as the candidate of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was inaugurated on October 1, 1979. His presidency was marked by economic growth and political stability.
- Oversaw a period of economic growth: The Nigerian economy grew at an average rate of 7% per year during Shagari’s presidency. This was due in part to the high price of oil, which was Nigeria’s main export at the time.
- Introduced a number of social programs: Shagari introduced a number of social programs, such as the Universal Primary Education program, which provided free primary education to all Nigerian children. He also introduced a mass literacy campaign and a program to improve healthcare in rural areas.
- Promoted national unity: Shagari promoted national unity by appointing ministers from all parts of Nigeria to his cabinet. He also tried to resolve the conflict between the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo ethnic groups.
- Strengthened Nigeria’s relations with other countries: Shagari strengthened Nigeria’s relations with other countries, particularly with the United States and the United Kingdom. He also visited a number of African countries in an effort to promote regional cooperation.
However, he was also criticized for corruption and for his handling of the Maitatsine religious uprising in 1980.
Conclusion
Ranking the best Nigerian presidents from 1960 till date is a subjective task, as each leader had their own accomplishments and shortcomings. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s truncated presidency stands out for its achievements in transparency, regional stability, and infrastructure development.
However, Olusegun Obasanjo’s economic reforms and successful transition to democracy, along with Goodluck Jonathan’s focus on education and infrastructure, cannot be overlooked. Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, marked by significant development projects, also faces challenges in governance and security.
Ultimately, the best president in Nigeria’s history is a matter of personal opinion, shaped by individual perspectives on leadership, governance, and national development.