The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.
The announcement came from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following approval from President Bola Tinubu. “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Extending beyond the federal declaration, the Northwest Governors Forum ordered a regional public holiday across seven states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, in joint recognition of Buhari’s regional and national impact.
In a related move, the National Assembly announced the suspension of all plenary sessions until July 22 to enable lawmakers to participate fully in burial and mourning activities.
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National flags are to fly at half-mast throughout the seven-day mourning period, by order of President Tinubu, who also urged Nigerians to “reflect on Buhari’s values of unity and integrity.”
The government has called on citizens to use the mourning period not as a time of political debate but as a moment for national reflection on Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic and governance structures.
Meanwhile, Buhari’s burial plans have been finalised. Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda confirmed that following consultations with the late president’s family and his associates in London, Buhari’s body will arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
He will be buried at 2 p.m. in Daura, his hometown, according to Islamic rites. A presidential delegation, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, travelled to London to oversee the repatriation of the former leader’s remains.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described Buhari’s legacy as one of “discipline, honesty, and unwavering commitment to public good.”
