The Federal Government has announced a detailed programme for the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London. The announcement was made on Monday, July 14, 2025, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
To ensure a dignified farewell, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The committee will work closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
Other members of the committee include key cabinet ministers covering portfolios such as Finance, Defence, Works, Interior, the Federal Capital Territory, Health, Culture, and Information. Also on the committee are the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Chief of Defence Staff, and several senior presidential aides. The Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office will serve as the committee’s secretariat.
A delegation of 25 Federal Executive Council members has been directed to travel to Katsina to participate in the burial rites and attend the third-day prayers in Daura on Wednesday, July 16.
In honor of the late president, President Tinubu has declared seven days of national mourning beginning Sunday, July 13. During this period, national flags are to fly at half-mast across the country, and all public and private institutions are expected to comply. Additionally, Tuesday, July 15, has been declared a public holiday. The weekly Federal Executive Council meeting initially scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Friday, July 18.
The late president’s body is expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday. Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently leading a high-level delegation in London to finalize arrangements for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. Upon arrival, a brief military ceremony will be conducted at the airport. President Tinubu will personally receive the body, which will then be transported to Daura for Islamic funeral prayers (Jana’iza) and burial at the late president’s residence.
Condolence registers will be opened in all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and Nigerian embassies and missions abroad.
President Tinubu continues to receive condolence messages from world leaders, reflecting the international recognition and enduring legacy of former President Buhari.
