President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a state burial for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London. An inter-ministerial committee chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been constituted to coordinate the burial and national mourning proceedings.
As part of the honour, today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, has been declared a public holiday nationwide to pay tribute to the late elder statesman. National flags are flying at half-mast, and all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) have been directed to open condolence registers for members of the public.
Buhari’s Final Journey
According to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, Buhari's body will arrive in Katsina at 12 noon today, and his burial is scheduled for 2pm in Daura, in line with Islamic rites. A heavy security presence enveloped Daura on Monday as dignitaries and mourners prepared for his arrival.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila led the Nigerian delegation to London to retrieve Buhari’s body, accompanied by top government officials including Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
National Assembly, FEC Suspend Activities
In further honour of the deceased leader, the National Assembly has suspended all legislative activities until Tuesday, July 22, to allow lawmakers participate fully in the burial events. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) special session earlier scheduled for today has also been postponed due to the funeral.
APC Shuts Down Buhari House
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), whose national headquarters is named after the late President (Buhari House), announced the closure of the secretariat from July 14 to July 17. Party members were urged to reflect and pray for the repose of the late leader.
A Nation in Mourning: Tributes Pour In
Former Heads of State, state governors, and global dignitaries have paid glowing tributes to Buhari’s memory:
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Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was in the same London hospital, described Buhari as “a man of honesty and integrity” and said, “You can trust Buhari with anything.”
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo visited Shettima in London to express their condolences.
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Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to reflect on Buhari’s values of discipline and selfless service.
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Adams Oshiomhole hailed Buhari as “a rare breed of principled leadership.”
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Rotimi Amaechi praised his anti-corruption legacy, calling him “an icon of integrity.”
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Femi Fani-Kayode referred to Buhari as one of Northern Nigeria’s “three great Mahdis,” alongside Usman Dan Fodio and Ahmadu Bello.
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CAN, NDLEA’s Marwa, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo also issued statements mourning his death.
The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, described Buhari as “a beacon of integrity and discipline,” calling for national unity in his honour.
Buhari’s Legacy
Born in 1942, Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria as:
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Military Head of State (1983–1985)
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Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (1995–1999)
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Democratic President (2015–2023)
Known for his anti-corruption crusade, personal discipline, and simple lifestyle, Buhari became a revered figure across Nigeria. Tributes from neighbours in Daura described him as generous, humble, and deeply religious, with a strong commitment to youth and moral values.
Further updates on the funeral proceedings and the rescheduled FEC session are expected from the Office of the SGF. Meanwhile, national mourning continues through Sunday, July 20, with prayer services expected across religious centres.
