President HH Pays Tribute to Late Nigerian President Buhari

President Hakainde Hichilema has praised the late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as a "principled and anti-corruption leader" while signing a book of condolences at the Nigerian High Commission in Lusaka.

President Buhari, who served as Nigeria's president from 2015 to 2023, died in London on 13 July 2025. He was known for his military background and his focus on fighting corruption during his civilian presidency.

Speaking at the Nigerian High Commission, President Hichilema hailed former President Buhari as a dedicated leader who "consistently put the interests of Nigeria first and demonstrated selfless leadership throughout his tenure."

"He served in the Nigerian military for many years, then he served as president, twice democratically elected," President Hichilema told journalists. "He served Africa through Nigeria, and served the world through Africa."

The president particularly praised Mr Buhari's anti-corruption efforts, recalling advice the Nigerian leader had given him during a meeting in South Africa.

"Public money, President Buhari said to me... we must work hard to keep it for the benefit of the public, and private money for private investors," Mr Hichilema said. "I learnt a lot from him."

President Hichilema described how Nigeria's handling of Mr Buhari's funeral demonstrated the proper "African way" of honouring the dead, as he continues negotiations with the family of Zambia's own former president over burial arrangements.

The tribute comes as the Zambian government continues what Mr Hichilema described as "quiet talks" with the family of former President Edgar Lungu regarding burial arrangements.

"We've continued engaging the family quietly, because that's what it should be," the president said, asking Zambians to "retain that patience as discussions continue."

Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia Chinyere Epelle expressed gratitude for Zambia's show of solidarity during Nigeria's period of mourning.

"We feel honoured to receive him in the high commission and we convey this message to our home government," Her excellency Chinyere Epelle said.

The diplomatic engagement reflects what she described as "the deepening of relations between African nations."