Nigeria’s government has announced that Tuesday will be observed as a public holiday to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at 82 in a London clinic on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
In a statement, Nigeria’s interior minister said, “This public holiday allows all Nigerians to reflect on his legacy, leadership, and the principles he stood for.”
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who returned to Nigeria on Monday after spending time with Buhari’s family in the UK, stated that the late president would be laid to rest in his home state on Tuesday.
“From what I have learned so far, the body will arrive at noon tomorrow, with the burial scheduled for 2 p.m.,” he added.Officials reported that the funeral, which was originally planned for Monday, was postponed due to logistical challenges.
According to Radda, the late president’s remains will be flown directly to Katsina Airport before being transported to Daura, his hometown located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Katsina city, where he will be laid to rest.
Buhari’s residence is already crowded with mourners—relatives, friends, and supporters who are waiting for the arrival of his body.
The vice president stated that Buhari had passed away following a short illness but did not provide further details.
Although he served as president, there will be no state funeral. In keeping with Islamic tradition, Buhari will be buried swiftly in a modest ceremony, Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa told the BBC.
Tributes have continued to flow in for the late army general, who led Nigeria twice—first as a military ruler and later as an elected president, after becoming the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent in 2015.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost to Buhari in that election, described him as “selfless in his dedication to duty, serving the nation with integrity and profound patriotism.”
General Ibrahim Babangida, the former military leader who removed Buhari from power in a 1985 coup, also offered glowing remarks about the late statesman.
“Even in retirement, he remained a moral guide for many and a model of humility in public service,” Babangida said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who plans to attend the funeral prayer in Daura, has announced a seven-day period of national mourning to honour Buhari.
In an official statement of condolence issued on Sunday evening, Tinubu said the country would pay its final respects with dignity, beginning with the lowering of all national flags to half-mast nationwide starting Sunday.