Nigeria Declares Tuesday Public Holiday To Honour Late Former President Buhari.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 15 July 2025, a public holiday to commemorate the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in London, United Kingdom. The announcement, made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval and forms part of a seven-day national mourning period to honour the late statesman.
Dr Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, described the holiday as a tribute to Buhari’s dedicated service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress. “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation,” the Minister said. He urged Nigerians to use the day to reflect on Buhari’s leadership and to promote the values of peace, patriotism, and national cohesion that the former president championed.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was widely recognised for his efforts to combat corruption and strengthen national security. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders and citizens alike, with many acknowledging his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and national development.
As part of the mourning protocols, national flags will be flown at half-mast across the country from Sunday, 13 July, to Saturday, 19 July 2025. The government has extended its condolences to Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State—where the former president hailed from—and all Nigerians, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced that Buhari’s remains would arrive in his hometown of Daura on Tuesday for burial at 2 pm, following consultations with the late president’s family and associates in London. The state government had earlier declared Monday, 14 July, a work-free day to allow residents to mourn and pray for the former leader.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied by other dignitaries, is overseeing arrangements to bring Buhari’s body back to Nigeria, despite reported logistical challenges in London that delayed initial plans. The Federal Executive Council meeting, originally scheduled for this week, has also been postponed, with a new date to be announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The Northwest Governors Forum has joined the federal government in declaring Tuesday a public holiday across all Northwest states to honour Buhari’s memory. Similarly, the National Assembly has suspended all legislative activities for one week as a mark of respect for the late president, whose leadership left a significant mark on Nigeria’s history.
Dr Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to use the public holiday to reflect on Buhari’s legacy and to recommit to the ideals of unity and progress he stood for. “This is an opportunity for all Nigerians to honour his memory by promoting the values he held dear,” the Minister said.