The federal government has declared tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, this is furtherance with the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who declared the public holiday on behalf of the federal government, following the approval of President Tinubu, said the work-free day was 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 Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the memory of the deceased by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
The national flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Earlier, the Governor of Katsina State, Mr Dikko Radda, announced the burial arrangements for the late Nigerian leader who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in London at the age of 82.
At a press briefing on Monday, the Katsina Governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of Mr Buhari would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.
He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2 pm on the same day.
Mr Radda expressed deep condolences on behalf of himself, the state government, and the people of Katsina State, to the family of the late President and all Nigerians mourning the loss of a national icon.
The remains of the late Nigerian former president would be released once the documentations were perfected and will his remains will be brought to Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, earlier on Monday arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late former president.
The late Buhari, who hailed from Daura, Katsina State, in Nigeria’s North-West zone previously served as the country’s military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. He was elected in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and he was succeeded by President Bola Tinubu.