Saudi Arabia’s top leadership has extended condolences to the government and people of Nigeria following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at the age of 82.
In formal cables sent to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister of the Kingdom, expressed sorrow over Buhari’s death and lauded his legacy as a principled and steadfast leader.
King Salman offered his “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to President Tinubu, the Nigerian people, and Buhari’s family, in a message released by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a separate condolence cable, emphasized the historical bonds between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, while paying tribute to Buhari’s enduring contributions to his country.
“President Buhari was a leader of great integrity and dedication, and his contributions to Nigeria’s development will be remembered with respect,” the Crown Prince said.
Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after a previous stint as military ruler in the 1980s, passed away in Abuja following a brief illness. His presidency was marked by a staunch anti-corruption campaign, efforts to restore economic discipline, and a sustained fight against insurgency in the country’s northeast.
His successor, President Bola Tinubu, described him as a “patriot and statesman who placed national interest above all else.”
The Nigerian government has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and tributes pouring in from across the political and diplomatic spectrum.
Leaders from across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies to honor the late Nigerian leader.
