Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82. In a statement personally signed on Monday, Amaechi described Buhari as a patriotic leader and a selfless public servant who dedicated his life to the progress of Nigeria.
Amaechi recalled working closely with Buhari during his time in office, highlighting the former president’s full support for transformative projects, especially in the transportation sector. He said Buhari stood firmly behind his plans to modernise Nigeria’s railway system, ensuring better, safer, and more affordable travel options for all Nigerians, regardless of social status.
Among the projects Buhari backed were the Lagos-Ibadan railway, the Warri-Itakpe and Port Harcourt-Aba lines, as well as the Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Maradi rail corridors. Amaechi also noted that Buhari played a key role in completing the Abuja-Kaduna railway.
He went on to commend Buhari’s support for maritime security reforms, particularly the Deep Blue Project, which improved safety across Nigeria’s coastal waters and led to the country being removed from the list of high-risk maritime nations.
Amaechi credited Buhari for supporting the construction and completion of the Lekki Deep Seaport and other major infrastructure projects, stressing that his leadership made a lasting impact on national development.
Offering his condolences to the late president’s widow, Aisha Buhari, and the entire family, Amaechi prayed for peace and strength during their time of mourning. He concluded by describing Buhari as a man whose vision, humility, and service truly defined him as a Nigerian statesman.