Nigeria Prepares to Lay Former President Buhari to Rest in Daura
The Federal Government has announced that the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari will arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, July 15, with burial scheduled for 3 PM the same day in his hometown of Daura.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday evening, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the late leader will be accorded a state burial in line with his stature and legacy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to personally receive Buhari’s remains at Katsina Airport before they are transported to Daura for the traditional Islamic rites and final interment at the Buhari family home.
“This is a moment of deep national reflection,” Idris said. “A prominent son of Nigeria has passed, and it’s our duty to honour his memory with the dignity he deserves.”
To oversee the funeral preparations, the government has formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The committee includes top officials from various ministries and agencies, the heads of the military and security services, as well as senior presidential aides.
They are working in close collaboration with the Katsina State Government and Buhari’s family to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In recognition of the former president’s service, President Tinubu declared a week-long national mourning beginning Sunday, July 13. Nigerian flags at home and abroad will fly at half-mast during this period.
To allow citizens to pay their respects, Tuesday, July 15, has also been declared a public holiday. The usual Federal Executive Council meeting has been moved to Friday, July 18, to give ministers and government officials the opportunity to attend the burial.
A special delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in London finalizing arrangements for the body’s return. They are expected to accompany the remains back to Nigeria, where a brief military ceremony will be held on arrival.
Over 25 federal ministers and top-ranking officials will remain in Daura for the Fidau prayer scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.
Condolence registers have been made available across all ministries and government offices nationwide, as well as at embassies and diplomatic missions abroad. A central condolence book is also available for signing at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu continues to receive condolence messages from leaders around the world, with several expected to attend the burial to pay their final respects to one of Nigeria’s most prominent former presidents.
