United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday signed the condolence register for late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nigeria House in New York, describing him as “a statesman Africa will deeply miss.”
“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari,” Guterres wrote.
“President Buhari will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to selfless service, his leadership in advancing peace and stability across the African region and his dedication to strengthening institutions in Nigeria.
“He was also a great supporter of the United Nations and a strong voice for multilateralism, solidarity and sustainable development around the world.”
The UN Chief also offered brief remarks after signing the register.
“I had the privilege to work with President Buhari and I will say, I am a great admirer of his extraordinary work—not only in defence of the interest of his own country, Nigeria, but in his commitment to the African continent, to sustainable development and very particularly to the United Nations and multilateralism.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s role in the region, Guterres said: “I think President Buhari has been a leading personality in defending the interests of West Africa and in a very difficult context, in affirming Nigeria’s leadership.”
He said Buhari’s contributions to peace and security in West Africa “were very much appreciated,” adding that the late leader would be remembered “as a true servant-leader whose legacy will inspire generations to come.”
The UN Secretary-General extended his condolences to Buhari’s family, the Nigerian government, and the people of the country.
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, received Guterres at the Nigeria House and thanked him for the visit.
Endoni noted that the condolence visit was a reflection of Buhari’s standing as a respected leader whose voice carried weight well beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Others present at the visit included Ambassador Bola Asaju and the Head of Chancery, Razak Lawal.
Buhari, who led Nigeria first as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 82. He was buried in his hometown, Daura, on Tuesday.
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