The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, while postponing a special Federal Executive Council session that was scheduled for the same day.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Monday evening. The decision comes as the nation prepares for the state funeral of the former president in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
The special Federal Executive Council session, which President Bola Tinubu had called to honour his predecessor for his invaluable contributions to the country, will no longer be held as initially announced. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will announce a new date after the funeral proceedings are completed.
The remains of the 82-year-old former president are expected to arrive from London by noon on Tuesday, after which he will be committed to Mother Earth in his hometown in accordance with Islamic rites. Buhari passed away on Sunday at a London clinic after battling a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu has declared a seven-day national mourning period with flags flying at half-staff across all government buildings and installations. The gesture reflects the nation’s collective grief and recognition of Buhari’s decades of service to Nigeria.
The President also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to London to join the Buhari family in their time of grief and to coordinate the repatriation of the former president’s remains. The high-level delegation departed Nigeria early Monday morning on the President’s orders.
The declaration of a public holiday allows Nigerians across the country to participate in mourning activities and pay their respects to the former leader. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are expected to remain closed on Tuesday as the nation observes the solemn occasion.
The postponement of the special FEC session demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that the funeral proceedings in Daura take precedence over other official activities. The session, when rescheduled, will provide an opportunity for the current administration to formally acknowledge Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and democratic progress.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, leading the country through significant challenges including economic difficulties, security threats, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration was marked by efforts to combat corruption, improve infrastructure, and strengthen democratic institutions.
The former president’s death has united Nigerians across political divides in mourning the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to public service. As the nation prepares for his final journey, the public holiday provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on his legacy and contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
The funeral arrangements in Daura are expected to draw dignitaries from across Africa and beyond, as the international community joins Nigeria in bidding farewell to one of the continent’s most recognizable political figures.
