Category Nigeria News

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has described former President Muhammadu Buhari as a foundational figure in the country’s oil and gas industry whose legacy continues to shape the sector.

Following his death at a clinic in London on Sunday, the official condolence message issued in Abuja on Monday, the Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the death of Buhari.

Signed by Christopher Ugwuegbulam, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the ministry recalled Buhari’s unique history with the petroleum sector, dating back nearly five decades.

Buhari first served as Federal Commissioner (now Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources from 1976 to 1978 under then-Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo.

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He was also the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now NNPC Limited.

The statement noted that “his commitment to clean, accountable governance in the petroleum industry remains a guiding light,” adding that the infrastructure and institutions built under his leadership laid the groundwork for modern reforms.

As President from 2015 to 2023, Buhari once again held the petroleum portfolio, leading the charge for reforms that culminated in the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a law long sought to improve transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“From foundational infrastructure to bold sectoral reforms, President Buhari’s legacy in the oil and gas sector is far-reaching,” the statement read.

Police authorities in Nasarawa State have launched an investigation into the abduction of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Nasarawa State, Yusuf Musa.

Spokesman of the Nasarawa Police Command, Ramhan Nansel, in a statement, said, “At about 03:05hrs, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a patrol team from B Division, Lafia, discovered a Peugeot pick-up van with all doors left wide open in a suspicious manner.

“Upon closer examination, officers observed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also ajar, prompting immediate security concerns.

“A swift search of the premises confirmed that Barr. Yusuf Musa was missing, along with his GMC vehicle, bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA, raising strong suspicion of an abduction.”

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He said following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina, Shetima Mohammed, promptly activated a coordinated tactical operation by alerting all relevant police divisions across the state—including units in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko—and deploying surveillance along strategic routes to track and intercept the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner has ordered an intensive statewide manhunt and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the victim’s safe rescue and the immediate apprehension of those behind the act.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, for the burial of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu’s plane touched down at the Katsina Airport at 01:50pm on Tuesday. The president was received by top government officials including governors and ministers.

Tinubu is expected to receive the body of the late military general and ex-president who ruled Nigeria cumulatively for nine years and eight months.

Buhari’s body is expected to be flown to Katsina anytime soon from London ahead of his burial in his rustic hometown in Daura, an agragrian community some three hours to Katsina.

Saudi Arabia’s top leadership has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nigeria following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud both sent formal cables of condolence to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing sorrow over the passing of the former leader.

King Salman conveyed his “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to President Tinubu, the Nigerian people, and the family of the deceased in a message released on Monday.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed the sentiments in a separate cable, highlighting the respect and historical ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

“I extend to Your Excellency, the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy,” the Crown Prince stated.

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Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Federal Republic of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. pic.twitter.com/rQpSQIGsG1

He praised Buhari’s decades of public service, particularly his leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s political stability and national security.

“President Buhari was a leader of great integrity and dedication, and his contributions to Nigeria’s development will be remembered with respect,” he said.

Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and previously as a military ruler in the 1980s, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

Widely known for his anti-corruption efforts and battle against insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, Buhari leaves behind a legacy of firm governance and nationalistic resolve.

President Bola Tinubu, Buhari’s successor, hailed him as a “patriot and statesman who placed national interest above all else”.