Buhari takes over from Goodluck Jonathan, inheriting a nation with a stubborn militant insurgencyand lingering fuel shortages, a paradox for one of the world's largest oil producers.
"I thank those who passionately carried the campaign," he tweeted after his inauguration. "I belong to everybody. I belong to nobody."
Leadership is nothing new for Buhari. The former general was among military strongmen who dominated Nigeria decades ago.
A military coup brought him to power in 1983, and another military coup toppled him two years later.
Buhari's regime was known for its "war on indiscipline," which critics say was marred by human rights abuses.
Buhari campaigned as a born-again democrat
to allay fears about his strict military regime while stressing the
need to focus on security.
He has accused his predecessor of setbacks in the fight against extremists.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry joined other world leaders at the event, including South African President Jacob Zuma.
"Glad to be back in Nigeria and honored to be leading the U.S. delegation for inauguration," Kerry tweeted.
Zuma said his trip will present an opportunity to discuss relations between Nigeria and South Africa, both considered powerhouses in the continent.
After
the inauguration, a convoy headed to the presidential residence. Crowds
in Abuja cheered and chanted Buhari's name all over again.
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