Buhari: FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Mourn Late Ex-President

• As Tinubu postpones FEC meeting

The Nigerian government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday in honour of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, whose death was announced on Sunday.

A statement from the Ministry of Interior, said, “In furtherance to the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed 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 Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late Presi- dent’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.

It was earlier reported that the remains of the former military dictator-turned-democratic leader would no longer arrive in Nigeria on Monday as initially scheduled, forcing a shift in the burial arrangements.

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to Buhari, confirmed on Monday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle that the late President’s body is now expected to arrive in Katsina at noon on Tuesday, with burial rites scheduled for 2 p.m. in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

“The body of the late President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive in Katsina at 12:00 noon tomorrow, with a funeral according to Islamic rites scheduled to take place in his hometown of Daura by 2:00 PM on the same day,” Ahmad wrote.

It was also reported that logistical failures in London disrupted earlier plans to transport Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria on Monday.

Sources in the UK said ongoing arrangements involving hospital protocols, flight schedules from UK airports, and other logistical challenges made it impossible to fly his body home as earlier planned.

It was learned that Tuesday’s public holiday is to allow Nigerians to mourn and pay respects to the controversial former leader.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has been in London since Sunday, was reportedly briefed on the changes in burial arrangements.