Nigeria Declares Public Holiday Ahead of Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Burial
The Nigerian government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday in honor of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital at the age of 82.
The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, announced that the body of the late president is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday by 12 noon.
Governor Radda explained that the burial arrangements were made after consultations with Buhari’s family and close associates in London. The governor offered prayers for the late president, asking Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest and reward him with Aljannatul Firdaus.,” the governor said. He also extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire nation.
Following Buhari’s death, President Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period. As part of the observance, all national flags across the country are to be flown at half-mast starting Sunday, July 13.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the public holiday on behalf of the federal government, stating that it serves as a mark of respect for the former leader’s service, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, and his governance legacy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila traveled to London to accompany the late president’s remains back to Nigeria. In a social media post, Shettima confirmed Buhari’s burial would be conducted in accordance with Islamic rites in Daura.
Islamic clerics emphasized that Buhari’s burial would be conducted as swiftly as possible, in line with Islamic traditions. However, if the body arrives late in the evening, the burial will be postponed until Tuesday morning.
Buhari, a retired general, was one of only two individuals to serve Nigeria both as a military and civilian president, the other being former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Messages of condolence and tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigeria and around the world.. Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Buhari as “a selfless leader committed to his duties and a patriot to the core.” …in a 1985 coup, described him as “a guiding moral figure and a shining example of humility in public service.”
President Tinubu is expected to attend the funeral prayers in Daura. He stated that the nation will bid farewell to Buhari with dignity and honor.
Further updates on the burial and national observances will be provided as events unfold.