By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Federal Government has rolled out an elaborate state burial programme for Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), who passed away in London on Sunday, after a prolonged illness.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to coordinate the burial in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Friday, July 18, to allow for full participation in the burial events.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has declared Tuesday, July 15, a national public holiday in honour of the late leader.
A high-level Federal Government delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is already in London finalising arrangements for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains, which are expected to arrive Katsina by 12 noon on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport, after which the body will proceed to Daura for the Jana’iza (Islamic funeral prayer) and final interment at the late President’s residence.
President Tinubu will be on ground to personally receive the remains.
Twenty-five ministers have been directed to travel to Katsina to take part in the full funeral schedule and remain in Daura for the Third-Day Prayers on Wednesday, July 16.
As part of the national mourning declared by President Tinubu, flags are flying at half-mast across the country for seven days, beginning Sunday, July 13.
All state governments and private sector institutions have been directed to comply.
Condolence registers are being opened in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Nigerian Embassies and Missions abroad will also open registers for public condolences.
Minister Idris noted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee includes key figures such as the Ministers of Finance, Defence, Interior, FCT, Works, Health, Culture, and Housing, alongside security chiefs and senior presidential aides.
The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the Committee’s secretariat.
The Nigerian government continues to receive condolence messages from world leaders, reflecting the international stature of Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to join in prayers and sober reflection as the nation bids farewell to one of its most prominent statesmen.
