The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria extended its deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
The embassy in a statement said Buhari was a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress left an enduring legacy.
The statement said Buhari’s pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in “our shared history.”
“Our thoughts are with his family and Nigerian people,” the statement added.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic, following a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, and President Bola Tinubu, who ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial according to Islamic rites.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in 2015. He previously ruled as a military head of state from December 1983 to August 1985.
His presidency focused on anti-corruption efforts and tackling security issues like Boko Haram, but faced criticism for economic challenges, rising insecurity, and human rights concerns, including the 2020 Lekki tollgate shootings.
Tributes have poured in from global leaders, with the African Union Commission Chairperson and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio describing his death as a significant loss.
Nigeria declared a three-day national mourning period, with flags to be flown at half-mast.