President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The committee will collaborate with the Katsina State Government and the late President’s family to ensure a smooth and dignified burial programme.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja. He described Buhari as a patriot, a statesman, and a gentleman soldier who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication and honour.
“As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders, the Federal Government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and solemn reflection on his impactful life and service to the nation,” Idris said.
He explained that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the Secretariat of the Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The committee members include the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Budget and Economic Planning; Defence; Information and National Orientation; Works; Interior; Federal Capital Territory; Housing and Urban Development; State for Health and Social Welfare; Art, Culture and the Creative Economy; the National Security Adviser; Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; the Inspector General of Police; Director-General of the Department of State Services; and the Chief of Defence Staff.
Idris further disclosed that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to travel to Katsina to attend the burial rites and the Third-Day Prayers in Daura, scheduled for Wednesday, 16th July 2025.
“In honour of the late leader, the Federal Executive Council meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, has been shifted to Friday, July 18, 2025. President Tinubu has also declared a seven-day National Mourning, which commenced on Sunday, July 13, 2025. During this period, the national flag is to fly at half-mast across the country. All State Governments and private sector entities have been directed to comply. Furthermore, Tuesday, July 15, has been declared a public holiday in memory of the late President,” Idris said.
He added that a high-level delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima is in London to finalise documentation and logistics for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.
“The remains are expected to arrive in Katsina by 12 noon on Tuesday, July 15. A brief military ceremony will be held at the airport, after which President Tinubu will personally receive the body. The remains will then proceed to Daura for the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and interment at the late President’s residence,” the Minister said.
Idris also announced that condolence registers will be opened at all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad will do the same.
He noted that President Tinubu has continued to receive condolence messages from Heads of State and Governments worldwide, reflecting the global stature and enduring legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
PIAK