The biggest projects under President Buhari that failed

When Muhammadu Buhari assumed Nigeria’s presidency in 2015, he carried the hopes of millions, promising to tackle corruption, boost the economy, and enhance security. His administration launched ambitious projects to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure, energy, and social welfare sectors. However, by the time he left office in 2023, many of these initiatives heralded as game-changers, had either stalled, collapsed, or failed to deliver their promised potential. From the phantom Nigeria Air to the perpetually incomplete Ajaokuta Steel Complex, this piece explores the biggest projects under Buhari’s tenure that became symbols of squandered opportunity, including their lofty goals, systemic failures, and the lasting impact on Nigerians.

Nigeria Air: A national carrier that never took off

In 2018, the administration of President Buhari unveiled Nigeria Air, a proposed national carrier intended to revive Nigeria’s aviation sector, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign airlines. Launched with fanfare at the Farnborough Airshow in London, the project promised a modern fleet, competitive pricing, and partnerships with global players like Ethiopian Airlines. The government allocated ₦8.8 billion for its initial phase, projecting operations by 2019. Hadi Sirika, then Minister of Aviation, touted it as a legacy project to boost national pride and economic growth.

Yet, Nigeria Air never left the ground. By 2023, the project was mired in controversy, labeled a “scam” by critics on social. Allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency plagued the initiative. The proposed partnership with Ethiopian Airlines collapsed amid disputes over ownership structure, and the unveiling of a branded aircraft in 2018 was revealed to be a leased plane repainted for the event. A 2023 investigation by the House of Representatives flagged irregularities, including the misuse of funds without tangible progress. Posts on X, like one from @Baash_Kano, mocked Buhari’s claim of a “commissioned” Nigeria Air, calling it a “phantom” project.

For Nigerians, the failure stung. The aviation sector, critical for business and tourism, remains dominated by foreign carriers, with high fares burdening travelers. The project’s collapse eroded public trust, reinforcing perceptions of Buhari’s administration as one of unfulfilled promises. As one Lagos-based traveler lamented, “We were promised cheaper flights, but all we got was a logo and excuses.”

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Ajaokuta steel complex: A decades-long mirage

The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, often called Nigeria’s “industrial dream,” was a cornerstone of Buhari’s economic agenda. Located in Kogi State, the complex initiated in the 1970s was meant to produce 1.3 million tonnes of steel annually, create over 500,000 jobs, and drive industrialization. Buhari’s administration claimed to have revived 80% of the plant, with ₦8 billion allocated between 2017 and 2023 for its completion. In 2022, the government signed a $496 million deal with a Russian consortium to rehabilitate the facility, promising operations by 2023.

Despite these claims, Ajaokuta remains dormant. The project, which has consumed over $10 billion since inception, has produced no steel. Investigations revealed mismanagement, with funds allegedly diverted to non-existent “consultancy fees.” Technical issues, including outdated Soviet-era equipment and lack of local expertise, compounded delays. Posts on X, such as @Baash_Kano’s, derided Buhari’s “revival” claims as a “scam,” pointing to the plant’s rusting infrastructure. The Nigerian Society of Engineers in 2023 estimated that $2 billion more is needed to make Ajaokuta functional, a cost Buhari’s government never addressed.

The failure of Ajaokuta has crippled Nigeria’s industrial ambitions. Steel imports continue to drain foreign reserves, and local manufacturers face high costs. For communities in Kogi, promised jobs never materialized, leaving thousands in poverty. “Ajaokuta is a graveyard of Nigeria’s potential,” said a local resident, reflecting widespread frustration.

Mambila hydropower project: A powerless vision

The Mambila Hydropower Project in Taraba State was billed as Africa’s largest hydropower plant, with a projected capacity of 3,050 MW to address Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages. Revived under Buhari in 2017 with a $5.8 billion contract awarded to a Chinese consortium, the project promised to power millions of homes, boost agriculture, and create 70,000 jobs. The administration secured a $4.9 billion loan from China’s Exim Bank, and Buhari touted it as a flagship initiative to end power outages.

By 2023, however, Mambila had not progressed beyond feasibility studies. Land disputes, inadequate funding, and diplomatic tensions with China stalled construction. The Ministry of Power admitted in 2022 that only 2% of the project was complete, despite billions spent. Corruption allegations surfaced, with reports of inflated contracts and missing funds. X posts, including one from @Baash_Kano, labeled Mambila a “phantom” project, reflecting public anger over unfulfilled energy promises.

For Nigerians, the failure is dire. The national grid, which collapsed over 100 times during Buhari’s tenure, leaves 85 million citizens without reliable power. Small businesses rely on costly generators, and rural communities remain in darkness. “We were promised light, but we’re still burning fuel,” said a Jos-based entrepreneur, encapsulating the project’s betrayal.

Abuja light rail: A capital’s stalled ambition

The Abuja Light Rail, launched in 2018 with Chinese funding, aimed to ease traffic congestion in Nigeria’s capital with a 12-line, 317 km network. Costing $823 million for its first phase, the project was commissioned with pomp by Buhari, promising to connect key districts and reduce commuting times. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) was contracted to deliver two lots by 2020.Five years later, the rail is barely operational. Only 45 km of track is functional, and usage is negligible due to incomplete stations and unreliable service. Maintenance issues and vandalism have plagued the project, with reports of stolen cables halting operations. A 2023 audit revealed mismanagement of funds, with $33 million unaccounted for. X users, like @Jack_ng01, lamented the rail’s failure, calling it a symbol of Buhari’s “incomplete” legacy alongside other stalled projects like the Millennium Towers.

For Abuja residents, the rail’s failure means continued reliance on overcrowded buses and high transport costs. The project’s underuse has also deterred private investment, leaving the capital’s infrastructure lagging. “We see the trains, but they’re more decoration than transport,” said a frustrated commuter.

Social investment programs: A fraudulent facade?

Buhari’s National Social Investment Program (NSIP), launched in 2016, aimed to lift millions out of poverty through initiatives like N-Power, TraderMoni, and Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT). N-Power promised job training and ₦30,000 monthly stipends for youth, while TraderMoni offered ₦10,000 loans to petty traders. The administration claimed to have reached 12 million beneficiaries, with ₦500 billion allocated annually.

However, the programs were riddled with flaws. N-Power was marred by delayed payments, with some beneficiaries unpaid for months. TraderMoni faced allegations of political bias, with loans distributed to APC loyalists during elections. A 2022 audit by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission flagged ₦3 billion in misappropriated funds. X posts, such as @middlebeltabi’s, branded the NSIP a “fraud scheme,” noting that poverty levels rose under Buhari, with Nigeria becoming the world’s poverty capital by 2018.

For average Nigerians, the NSIP’s failure deepened economic hardship. Many beneficiaries, like a TraderMoni recipient in Ogun State, reported that loans were too small to impact businesses and came with unclear repayment terms. The programs’ collapse left millions without the promised safety net, exacerbating distrust in government initiatives.

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Conclusion

The failures of Nigeria Air, Ajaokuta, Mambila, Abuja Light Rail, and the NSIP reflect a broader pattern of the administration of President Buhari: ambitious visions undermined by poor execution, corruption, and lack of accountability. These projects, meant to transform Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure, instead became monuments to inefficiency, costing billions with little to show. The Council on Foreign Relations noted that Buhari’s tenure saw 63,000 deaths from violence and a 77 trillion naira debt, underscoring the economic and social toll of his governance failures.

For Nigerians, the impact is tangible: higher costs, unreliable power, and unfulfilled dreams of industrialization and mobility. As Bola Tinubu inherits these challenges, the lesson is clear: grand projects require transparency, competence, and sustained commitment to deliver on their potential. For now, these initiatives remain stark reminders of what could have been in a nation yearning for progress.