Nigeria has declared Tuesday a public holiday to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away aged 82 in a London clinic after years of battling ill health. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his successor, approved the holiday following an earlier declaration of a seven-day national mourning period.
The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Interior Minister, who stated that the holiday would offer Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on Buhari’s life, leadership, and the values he upheld throughout his career in public service.
Buhari, a former military ruler who returned to power as a democratically elected president in 2015, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. He made history by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent in a presidential election, toppling then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The late president will be buried in his home town of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic customs. Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda confirmed that Buhari’s body would arrive at Katsina airport by midday Tuesday and would be laid to rest by 2:00 p.m. in a simple ceremony.
Although he served as president, there will be no state funeral. Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa explained that Islamic traditions call for a swift and modest burial.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Goodluck Jonathan remembered Buhari as “selfless in his commitment to duty” and praised his patriotism. Former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, described him as a “moral compass” and an example of modesty in leadership.
President Tinubu is expected to attend the funeral prayers in Daura. In a condolence statement, Tinubu called for the nation to honour Buhari with dignity and lowered all national flags to half-mast starting Sunday.
As the country mourns, Buhari’s legacy as a soldier, statesman, and reformer remains a subject of national reflection, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s political journey.
