President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd), on the occasion of his 84th birthday, describing him as a leader whose bold reforms and infrastructural strides continue to inspire Nigeria’s development trajectory.

The President rejoiced with the family, friends, and associates of the former leader, noting that his eight-year stewardship significantly reshaped the country’s socio-economic and political landscape.

Tinubu celebrated Babangida’s distinguished military career, which saw him serve as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Commander of the 4 Reconnaissance Regiment, Commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Director of Army Staff Duties and Plans, and Chief of Army Staff, before assuming national leadership.

Reflecting on his administration, the President said Babangida would be remembered for massive investments in infrastructure, most notably the Third Mainland Bridge, and for economic reforms that liberalised the Nigerian economy and widened opportunities for growth.

He further recalled Babangida’s establishment of enduring national institutions such as the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), alongside the creation of new states and the relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja.

President Tinubu drew parallels between Babangida’s reformist approach and his own ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigerian economy through bold policies and structural changes.

“Like General Babangida’s commitment to building enduring institutions and expanding economic frontiers, our administration is pursuing transformative reforms that will secure prosperity, stability, and opportunities for generations to come,” the President said.

He lauded the former military president for his service and sacrifices to the nation and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant him more years of good health, wisdom, and strength to continue offering counsel for the progress of Nigeria.