FG Outlines Buhari’s Burial Arrangements, Declares National Mourning

The Federal Government has officially announced detailed plans for the state burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. This was disclosed on Monday, 14th July 2025, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Idris, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a national programme to honour the late former President, including the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with organizing a dignified and well-coordinated burial in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, and includes several key ministers and heads of security agencies.

Full List of Committee Members:

1. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
2. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
3. Minister of Defence
4. Minister of Information and National Orientation
5. Minister of Works
6. Minister of Interior
7. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
8. Minister of Housing and Urban Development
9. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
10. Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy
11. National Security Adviser
12. Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
13. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters
14. Inspector General of Police
15. Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
16. Chief of Defence Staff

The Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (GSO) will serve as the Committee’s Secretariat.

President Tinubu to Personally Receive Buhari’s Remains
The remains of the former President are expected to arrive in Katsina by 12 noon on Tuesday, 15th July 2025. A high-level Federal Government delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, is currently in London finalizing documentation and logistics for the repatriation.

Upon arrival at the airport in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held, after which President Tinubu will personally receive the remains. The body will then be transported to Daura for the traditional Islamic funeral prayer (Jana’iza) and burial at Buhari’s residence.

Participation of Federal Executive Council Members
Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have been directed to travel to Katsina to partake in the burial ceremonies and remain in Daura for the Third-Day Prayers scheduled for Wednesday, 16th July 2025.

National Mourning and Public Holiday Declared
President Tinubu has declared a seven-day period of National Mourning, which began on Sunday, 13th July 2025. Throughout this period, the national flag is to be flown at half-mast across the country. State governments and the private sector are expected to comply. In addition, Tuesday has been declared a public holiday in honour of the former president.

Condolence Registers Open Nationwide

Condolence registers have been opened across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Additional registers have also been established at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and at Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide.

International Condolences
President Tinubu continues to receive condolences from world leaders and heads of government, highlighting the global respect and recognition of Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

The Federal Government called on Nigerians to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of the late elder statesman as the nation prepares to bid him farewell.