By Buhari’s State Burial
Nigerian government outlines plans, Jana’iza to be held in Daura
Summary
- Federal Government announces full state burial programme for former President Muhammadu Buhari
- Repatriation of Buhari’s remains scheduled for Tuesday, with military honours in Katsina
- President Tinubu declares public holiday and seven days of national mourning
- Jana’iza and interment to be held in Daura, with condolence registers opened nationwide
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has unveiled an elaborate programme for the state burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 81. The announcement was made on Monday, 14th July 2025, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja.
To ensure a dignified farewell befitting a statesman of Buhari’s stature, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the funeral rites. The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, and includes key cabinet members such as the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Finance, FCT, and Health, as well as security chiefs and presidential aides. The General Services Office will serve as the Committee’s secretariat.
A high-level government delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in London to finalise documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of the former President’s remains. The body is expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, where a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport.
President Tinubu is scheduled to receive the remains personally in Katsina before they are taken to Daura for the Jana’iza (Islamic funeral prayer) and subsequent interment at Buhari’s private residence.
The Federal Government has directed that twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council travel to Katsina to attend the full schedule of burial activities and remain for the Third-Day Prayers on Wednesday, 16th July.
In recognition of Buhari’s service to the nation, President Tinubu declared seven days of national mourning, beginning Sunday, 13th July. The Nigerian flag is to be flown at half-mast throughout the country during this period. The President has also declared Tuesday, 15th July, a public holiday in honour of the late leader while the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting previously scheduled for Tuesday has been moved to Friday, 18th July.
Condolence registers are being opened across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and Nigerian missions abroad. The President continues to receive messages of condolence from world leaders, expressing sympathy and solidarity with the Nigerian people.
The Government has called on all citizens to unite in prayer and reflection for the peaceful repose of Muhammadu Buhari’s soul and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
