The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu. The declaration comes as part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period earlier announced by the President to pay tribute to Buhari’s life and legacy.
Buhari died at age 82 at a clinic in London, and his death was confirmed in a statement by his former special adviser, Garba Shehu, on Sunday evening.
In a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication, and integrity. He added that the public holiday is meant to offer Nigerians a moment to reflect on the late president’s contributions to the country’s democratic journey and national development.“In furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
“The holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.”
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,” the statement partly read.The minister urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
“As earlier announced, the national flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025. “The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul”, the minister added.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari will be buried on Tuesday, 15 July, at 2 p.m. in Daura, Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda said.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda announced this while addressing journalists at the Government House on Monday, minutes after his return from London.
Mr Radda said he consulted with the late president’s family before leaving London, and a decision was made to hold the burial on Tuesday.
The governor, who was flanked by Mr Buhari’s nephews, Fatuhu Mohammed and Musa Haro, as well as ex-aviation minister Hadi Sirika, said the late president’s body will arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday.“we’ve made consultations with the people around him in London, and we concluded that the body will arrive in Katsina tomorrow (Tuesday) at about 12 noon and the burial is going to take place in Daura at about 2 p.m. So, these are the arrangements in place. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant his soul peace and may Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi,” the governor said.
Ibarapainfo.com reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila are in London to bring Mr Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
