The Federal Government has announced that the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari will arrive Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, by 12 PM, ahead of his burial slated for 3 PM the same day in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
Naijaonpoint reports that the late president, who passed away on Sunday, is to be honoured with a state burial, as confirmed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing on Monday evening.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to personally receive the remains of the late former president at the Katsina Airport before the body is conveyed to Daura for Jana’iza (Islamic funeral prayer) and interment at the Buhari family residence.
Idris said, “The burial arrangements for the departed former President Muhammadu Buhari are a matter of national importance.
“A high-level Inter-Ministerial Committee has been put in place to ensure the occasion reflects the dignity and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders.”
The government has established a high-level Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to oversee burial logistics.
Members include key ministers from Finance, Defence, Budget and Economic Planning, Information, Works, Interior, and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, the DSS Director-General, and senior aides to the President.
The committee is also working closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to ensure seamless coordination.
As part of the mourning protocol, President Tinubu has declared a seven-day National Mourning period beginning Sunday, July 13. During this time, national flags across the country and Nigerian embassies abroad will be flown at half-mast.
In addition, Tuesday, July 15, has been declared a public holiday to allow Nigerians to pay their last respects.
The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been rescheduled for Friday, July 18, to accommodate cabinet members who need to attend the burial.
At least 25 ministers and top government officials have been directed to remain in Daura for the Third-Day Fidau Prayer, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.
The Federal Government has opened condolence registers in all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) nationwide.
A central register is also available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while additional registers have been set up at Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide.
Naijaonpoint understands that the delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in London, finalising documentation and logistics for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.
Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be conducted at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
Minister Idris revealed that President Tinubu has continued to receive condolence messages from heads of state and foreign dignitaries, with several presidents and high-ranking officials expected to attend the burial.