5 Best Nigerian Presidents In History
This guide provides a list of the five best Nigerian presidents in history. The rankings are based on public opinion polls and evaluations of leadership, reforms, and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Despite leadership challenges, some presidents stood out for promoting unity, economic growth, anti-corruption efforts, and infrastructure.
READ ALSO: Where Does The President Of Nigeria Live
Who Are The Best-Ranked Nigerian Presidents?
Here are the top 5 best Nigerian presidents according to public opinion and notable achievements:
- Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979; 1999–2007)
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010)
- Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010–2015)
- Murtala Muhammed (1975–1976)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963–1966)
1. Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979; 1999–2007)
Olusegun Obasanjo is one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders. He served as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as a democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007.
Born on March 5, 1937, in Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State, he rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Nigerian and African politics.
He took power in 1976 after the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. His leadership oversaw Nigeria’s first peaceful transition from military to civilian rule in 1979, handing over to Shehu Shagari.
During this time, he launched “Operation Feed the Nation” to boost local food production. His administration also pushed major infrastructural projects, including hydroelectric plants and irrigation schemes.
In 1977, he consolidated the oil sector by establishing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
In 1999, he returned as Nigeria’s president during the country’s transition from military rule to democracy. His presidency focused on economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and debt relief. Nigeria’s foreign reserves grew to $43 billion by 2007.
He secured the cancellation of $30 billion in external debt, revitalizing the economy. To fight corruption, he established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
However, his administration faced criticism over human rights concerns and allegations of corruption. Obasanjo is credited with stabilizing Nigeria’s democracy and promoting economic growth. Even after leaving office, he remained active in international diplomacy, serving as a UN Special Envoy and leading African initiatives.
2. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010)
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s 13th president, served from May 29, 2007, until his untimely death on May 5, 2010. Born on August 16, 1951, in Katsina State, he was the first Nigerian president with a university degree, earning a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University.
Before his presidency, he governed Katsina State from 1999 to 2007. His presidency was Nigeria’s first peaceful transition of power between two civilian leaders.
Although the election that brought him to power was seen as having irregularities, he acknowledged the flaws and initiated electoral reforms.
He established the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee to make INEC independent and speed up election dispute resolutions.
Yar’Adua introduced the Seven-Point Agenda to tackle Nigeria’s developmental challenges. It aimed to improve power and energy, food security, wealth creation, transport, land reforms, education, and security.
However, his health issues and limited time in office hindered progress. One of his most impactful policies was the Niger Delta Amnesty Program, which encouraged militants to lay down their arms in exchange for peace.
Known for his integrity, Yar’Adua publicly declared his assets before and after assuming office, setting a precedent for transparency.
His tenure faced major challenges. Violence persisted in the Niger Delta despite the amnesty program. In 2009, Boko Haram launched an uprising that saw the beginning of general insurgency in northern Nigeria.
His deteriorating health led to prolonged absences from governance, and he passed away from acute pericarditis in May 2010.
READ ALSO: Complete List Of Vice Presidents Of Nigeria From 1960 Till Date
3. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010–2015)
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan served as Nigeria’s 14th president from May 6, 2010, to May 29, 2015. Born on November 20, 1957, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, he earned Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt.
He was a lecturer and environmental protection officer. He gained recognition as Deputy Governor and later Governor of Bayelsa State before becoming Vice President under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007.
His administration transformed Nigeria into Africa’s largest economy by rebasing its GDP for the first time in over a decade.
By 2014, Nigeria’s GDP surpassed $500 billion, overtaking South Africa. His government generated over $454 billion in oil revenue and introduced policies to diversify the economy.
Agricultural reforms cut food imports by over 40%, making Nigeria the world’s largest cassava producer while boosting rice production. He revitalized Nigeria’s railway system after years of neglect.
His administration built over 3,500 kilometers of rail tracks, including the Abuja-Kaduna railway. Major road projects included the Lagos-Benin Expressway and the second Niger Bridge.
Airports also saw improvements, with the Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu upgraded to international status. In 2010, he launched the “Roadmap for Power Sector Reform” to privatize electricity assets and improve supply.
This initiative dismantled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, transferring control to private firms to address chronic blackouts that had cost billions in lost output.
His administration effectively managed the 2014 Ebola outbreak, earning global recognition for containing the disease within months.
In education, he established nine new federal universities and introduced the Almajiri education system in northern Nigeria to enroll out-of-school children.
Jonathan championed electoral reforms and signed the Freedom of Information Act to promote accountability. His peaceful concession after losing the 2015 election was a historic moment for Nigerian democracy.
Despite his achievements, he faced criticism over his handling of the Boko Haram insurgency and allegations of corruption within his administration.
4. Murtala Muhammed (1975–1976)
Murtala Ramat Muhammed served as Nigeria’s Head of State from July 30, 1975, until his assassination on February 13, 1976. His tenure lasted only 200 days, but his impact was undeniable.
Born on November 8, 1938, in Kano, he climbed the military ranks, playing a big part in the 1966 counter-coup and the Nigerian Civil War.
He took power after a bloodless coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon. Once in office, he wasted no time implementing change.
He launched a fierce anti-corruption drive, dismissing over 10,000 public officials for malpractice, inefficiency, or age-related concerns.
Murtala Ramat Muhammed initiated the plan to move Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja, choosing a more central location to improve national unity.
To address ethnic minority concerns, he created seven new states, increasing the total to 19. His foreign policy was bold and unapologetic.
He championed African liberation movements and took a strong stance against apartheid in South Africa. Reforming the civil service was another priority. He cut bureaucracy and pushed for efficiency.
Education wasn’t left behind either. He introduced the Universal Primary Education program to provide free schooling for Nigerian children.
He had a clear vision for Nigeria’s future. Murtala announced a transition to civilian rule, setting a plan for democratic governance by 1979, a promise his successor would later fulfill.
Known for his discipline and decisiveness, he famously declared, “Africa has come of age” in an address to the Organization of African Unity.
His assassination in 1976 during a failed coup attempt caused a stir throughout the nation. Nigerians mourned deeply.
Today, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and his portrait on the ₦20 note stand as lasting tributes to a leader who changed Nigeria’s course in just a few months.
READ ALSO: Where Does The President Of Nigeria Live
5. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963–1966)
Nnamdi Azikiwe, also called “Zik of Africa,” was Nigeria’s first president from 1963 to 1966. Born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, he was a nationalist and statesman.
His efforts in the independence movement made him one of the country’s most respected leaders. His political career began with journalism.
Through newspapers like the West African Pilot, he pushed for African nationalism and became a strong voice against colonial rule.
As a leading member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), he fought for Nigeria’s self-governance. His dedication paid off when Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960.
When Nigeria became a republic in 1963, Azikiwe took office as its first president. Azikiwe worked hard to promote national unity, bringing together Nigeria’s many ethnic groups.
He saw education as a tool for empowerment and founded the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the country’s first indigenous university.
A firm believer in African solidarity, he helped establish regional cooperation through organizations like the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
His presidency also faced challenges. Political unrest, ethnic tensions, and power struggles among regional leaders led to instability. In January 1966, his time in office came to an end after a military coup overthrew the First Republic.
