June 8 marks 27 years since the death of General Sani Abacha, one of Nigeria’s most controversial military leaders. Born in 1943, Abacha climbed the military ranks and took control of the country in 1993, following the political chaos after the cancellation of the June 12, 1993 elections. He ruled Nigeria firmly until his sudden death in 1998.
When Abacha came to power, Nigeria was almost broke, with foreign reserves barely \$494 million. Over his five years in charge, he grew those reserves to \$9.6 billion by 1997. He reduced Nigeria’s foreign debt and kept the exchange rate steady—achievements many later governments found difficult to match, even though they earned more from oil.
At home, Abacha created six new states and introduced the 13% oil derivation policy to give oil-producing regions a bigger share of revenue. He also pushed for major national projects like the National Hospital in Abuja and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant. One of his most remembered achievements was the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), led by retired General Muhammadu Buhari, which paid for thousands of kilometers of roads, hospitals, and schools—many of which are still serving people today.
Abacha strongly believed in economic independence. He restarted four oil refineries and encouraged Nigeria to move from relying mostly on oil to developing its gas resources. The huge GWARINPA Estate, Nigeria’s largest housing estate, stands as a clear example of his vision. He wanted Nigeria to be free from foreign aid and sanctions, hoping the country could stand on its own feet.
On the world stage, he pushed for Nigeria to be seen as a key player in the region by leading peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, boosting Nigeria’s influence in West Africa.
But his rule was also known for harsh oppression. Dissent was crushed, human rights were ignored, and political opponents were often harassed or worse. Journalists were imprisoned, activists silenced, and the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine became a tragic symbol of his regime’s cruelty, sparking international outrage and sanctions.
Corruption was also widespread during his time in power. Billions of dollars were stolen, much of which is still being recovered from banks abroad.
Despite these darker sides, many Nigerians today look back on Abacha’s rule with mixed emotions. At a time when insecurity, inflation, and debt have worsened under recent governments, some remember his strict leadership as a kind of discipline that brought order and development, rather than just dictatorship.
Abacha was not a democrat, but he was decisive. His government, though tough, was active and visible. The roads he built and the policies he started have left a mark that can still be felt today.
Now, 27 years after his passing, Nigeria continues to face economic challenges and a lack of basic services—problems Abacha had aimed to fix. Some respect his pan-African ideals and economic plans, comparing him to other African leaders who fought for independence and self-reliance.
As the nation thinks about his legacy, the question remains: Was General Sani Abacha the strong leader Nigeria needed, or a cautionary example of the dangers of unchecked power? Only time and history will answer.
May Allah forgive his faults and grant him mercy. Ameen.
Garba Ubale Kankarofi
