In a gesture of diplomatic solidarity, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their deepest condolences to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on July 15, 2025, following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13.
The formal message, disseminated through the Saudi Royal Court, conveyed profound sorrow to Buhari’s family and the Nigerian populace, recognizing his pivotal role in fostering regional stability and strengthening Saudi-Nigeria relations.
The statement underscored a series of collaborative initiatives, notably a 2021 investment agreement valued at $1.5 billion, which enhanced cooperation in energy sectors and counter-terrorism efforts during Buhari’s tenure from 2015 to 2023. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reinforced this sentiment with a personal meeting with Nigerian diplomats in Riyadh, emphasizing shared Islamic values and prayers for Buhari’s soul.
This diplomatic outreach reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic engagement with African nations, with Nigeria serving as a critical ally in OPEC+ dynamics, though some analysts speculate the timing may also address ongoing oil production quota disputes. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar acknowledged the condolence, hinting at the possibility of Saudi representation at Buhari’s state burial in Daura on July 15, a ceremony drawing global attention.
The gesture joins an international chorus of tributes, including from India’s Narendra Modi, highlighting Buhari’s stature despite domestic debates over his handling of security and economic challenges, such as a 63% poverty rate by 2023 per World Bank data, adding layers of complexity to the mourning process.