“History may twist the truth, but facts remain sacred.”
On June 8, 1998, Nigeria lost one of its most misunderstood yet boldest leaders — General Sani Abacha. For over two decades, Western propaganda and Nigerian collaborators painted him as the villain. But time has exposed a deeper truth: Abacha was not the problem — he was the wall that stood between Nigeria and economic ruin.
ABACHA: A SHIELD AGAINST ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
While others bowed to foreign pressure, Abacha stood firm. He refused to hand Nigeria over to the IMF, the World Bank, and their neocolonial policies. Unlike today’s leaders who sign foreign loans blindly, Abacha believed in Nigeria’s ability to grow from within.
FACTS:
No IMF Loan: Abacha rejected IMF structural adjustment conditions that demanded mass retrenchment, removal of subsidies, and devaluation of the naira.
Economic Self-Reliance: His government focused on foreign reserve accumulation, budget discipline, and public investment without external borrowing.
Foreign Reserves: Nigeria’s reserves grew from $494 million in 1993 to $9.6 billion by 1998 — without any foreign loan.
HE PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE
One of the simplest measures of leadership is: “Could people eat under you?”
Under Abacha:
A loaf of bread was N20 — and affordable for all.
A mudu of rice or beans was N45.
Fuel was N11 per litre, and transport fares were stable.
Public servants were paid — not owed for months.
Even N5 had dignity and value.
Today, the naira has collapsed, bread is a luxury, and poverty is official policy. Yet, some still ask: What did Abacha do? He fed Nigerians. He protected the value of their money. He ensured economic stability in the face of sanctions and international hostility.
STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
General Abacha didn’t just save money — he built with it. He invested in military strength, strategic roads, oil and gas, and power infrastructure.
Notable Projects:
Completion of Gwarinpa Housing Estate in Abuja — still the largest in West Africa.
Initiation of Abuja National Hospital (now National Hospital Abuja).
PTDF-funded oil and gas training facilities built and equipped.
NNPC reforms to strengthen the oil and gas industry.
Abacha didn’t promise. He delivered. Silently. Efficiently.
HE STOOD FOR NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
Abacha was not perfect — no leader is. But unlike many who sold Nigeria for personal gain, he defended her sovereignty.
He brought Shell to order during oil unrests, refusing to let foreign companies dominate the Niger Delta unchecked.
He refused foreign dictation on political or economic matters.
He strengthened Nigeria’s military, not for politics, but for national security.
MACRO-ECONOMIC GAINS UNDER ABACHA
Indicator 1993 (Before Abacha) 1998 (At His Death)
Foreign Reserves $494 million $9.6 billion
External Debt $36 billion $27 billion (reduced)
Inflation Rate 57% 8.5%
Exchange Rate N22–N25/$ N85–N90/$ (stable BDC)
Even under Western sanctions, Abacha stabilized Nigeria’s economy — with no loans, no aid, and no begging.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER ABACHA
Creation of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)
Abacha established the PTF, led by General Muhammadu Buhari, to directly channel petroleum revenues into public infrastructure.
Rehabilitated thousands of kilometers of roads.
Re-equipped hospitals and clinics, stocked with drugs.
Supplied educational materials, books, and lab kits to schools.
Deployed school buses and science kits nationwide.
The PTF remains a benchmark in transparent public intervention for development.
Healthcare Expansion
Abacha’s administration improved healthcare access with visible action:
Built and upgraded federal medical centres and teaching hospitals.
Reinvigorated the National Programme on Immunization (NPI).
Ensured availability of essential drugs across Nigeria.
Military Modernization and National Security
Modernized the Army, Navy, and Air Force with new platforms.
Led successful peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Created military cantonments and upgraded training programs.
Creation of New States and LGAs
In 1996, Abacha created six new states:
Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara
This action responded to longstanding regional demands, bringing governance closer to the people and enhancing national unity.
Local Content in the Oil Sector
Abacha laid early foundations for local participation in the oil industry, challenging the dominance of foreign companies and increasing Nigerian ownership of the sector’s value chain.
Continental Leadership
Nigeria became a leading voice in the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Abacha stood firm on anti-apartheid policies and West African sovereignty.
CONCLUSION: JUDGE HIM BY RESULTS, NOT PROPAGANDA
General Sani Abacha may not have smiled often or danced on campaign stages, but he ruled with courage, focus, and tangible results. He was not perfect — no human is. But in comparison to the insecurity, inflation, and policy confusion of today, his era stands out as one of economic order, food affordability, and strong governance.
Nigeria needs more leaders like Abacha — bold enough to say NO to foreign control, and strong enough to put the people first.
Written by :-
Ibrahim Sani
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