FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday as Nation Mourns Late President Muhammadu Buhari

Abuja, Nigeria – July 14, 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday after a brief illness at the age of 82.

The declaration was made in a statement released on Monday morning by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Ibrahim Gaidam, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to the statement, the holiday is meant to allow Nigerians to pay their last respects to the late president, who served as Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.

The statement read in part:

“His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has approved Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday to mourn the passing of a true patriot and former President, Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerians are enjoined to use this day to reflect on his legacies of discipline, patriotism, and commitment to national development.”

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country and the international community. President Tinubu, in a national broadcast on Sunday night, described Buhari as a man of uncommon discipline and simplicity, whose years in office were marked by a focused war against corruption, infrastructural development, and efforts to secure the nation.

Condolence registers have been opened in all Federal Government institutions, embassies, and state government houses across the nation. Flags are to fly at half-mast throughout the week.

The funeral arrangements are being finalized by the Presidency in collaboration with the Buhari family and are expected to include a state burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

Former leaders, governors, and global statesmen are expected to attend the ceremonies, with tributes already sent in by figures including former U.S. President Barack Obama, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and several African heads of state.

The late Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, grandchildren, and numerous political protégés.