President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate a befitting state burial for former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari died in London on Sunday, July 13, at 82, following a prolonged illness.

Announcing the decision in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the committee would work in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the family of the late president to ensure a dignified programme of events.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Other members include the ministers of finance and the economy, budget and economic planning, defence, information and national orientation, and works.

It also includes the ministers of interior, Federal Capital Territory, housing and urban development, the state for health and social welfare, art, culture, and the creative economy.

The committee also includes 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 (DSS), and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the secretariat to the committee.

As part of the national mourning, President Tinubu has also directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers for members of the public to pay their respects.

Additional condolence registers will be opened at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Buhari’s body is expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday.

A military ceremony will be held at the airport, after which President Tinubu will personally receive the remains.

The body will then be transported to Daura for the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and interment at his residence at 2 pm, in line with Islamic rites.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the holiday is furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement said the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Tinubu.

The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.

He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.

The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

At a press briefing, the Katsina governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of the former leader would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.

He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2pm on the same day.

Former Nigerian leaders, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), have expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London.

In separate condolence statements, the elder statesmen paid glowing tributes to the late Nigerian leader, describing him as a patriot who served the country with distinction as a soldier, administrator, and statesman.

Obasanjo, through a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, noted that Buhari played his role dutifully throughout his life and gave his best to the country.

“It is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari,” Obasanjo said.

“As a soldier, he played his role; as an administrator, he played his role; as a statesman, he played his role.”

He added that Buhari’s death comes at a critical time when Nigeria needed the wisdom and experience of leaders who have previously steered the country through difficult times.

“He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo added.

Babangida described Buhari as a brother, course mate, and fellow patriot whose life was defined by discipline, humility, and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.

In a personal tribute, Babangida recalled their shared history that began in 1962 at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, noting that Buhari stood out early as a principled and deeply patriotic officer.

“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection,” IBB said.

“Our bond was forged not only by military training but by a shared commitment to service and love for country.”

He acknowledged that while they may have held differing views at times, Buhari’s sincerity and patriotism were never in doubt.

“His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State or two-term civilian President—it is the loss of a symbol. He embodied the transition from the old guard to the new republic,” Babangida stated.

He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the late leader and extended condolences to his wife, Aisha Buhari, their children and grandchildren, as well as the entire nation.

“May his legacy endure, and may Allah (SWT) grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” he concluded.