By Headlinenews.News Editorial Team | July 14, 2025
In a solemn and historic gesture, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a national public holiday in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and conveyed through Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. It marks the nation’s formal tribute to a man who served both as military head of state and two-term civilian president, shaping Nigeria’s governance and political identity over four decades.
A Day of Reflection and National Mourning
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation,”
— Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior
The Minister emphasized that the public holiday is more than symbolic. It is a nationwide call to reflection—on Buhari’s values, his leadership journey, and the sacrifices made for national cohesion.
Flags at Half-Mast, Spirits in Reflection
As part of the seven-day national mourning declared by the Presidency, flags will continue to fly at half-mast across Nigeria and its embassies globally. This gesture echoes traditions of state honour afforded to significant national figures worldwide.
Global Context: How the World Honours Its Past Leaders
7 days of mourning declared by President Tinubu.
Nigeria joins a long list of nations that honour deceased leaders with national holidays and ceremonial tributes. A few notable examples include:
South Africa, in 2013, declared 10 days of mourning with national vigils and a public holiday after the death of Nelson Mandela, with global dignitaries in attendance.
Ghana, in 2012, declared a state holiday for the burial of President John Atta Mills, with an outpouring of national tribute.
United States declared a national day of mourning and closed all federal offices to honour George H. W. Bush in 2018.
Kenya observed three days of national mourning for President Mwai Kibaki in 2022, with full military honours.
Buhari’s public holiday aligns Nigeria with this global tradition—reflecting the value nations place on historical leadership and continuity of national memory.
A Legacy to be Honoured, Not Forgotten
President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy remains a subject of passionate debate, but even critics acknowledge key landmark achievements:
- The Second Niger Bridge—a transformative infrastructural promise fulfilled after five decades.
- His steadfast anti-corruption stance, which redefined public accountability.
- The Petroleum Industry Act, infrastructure financing reforms, and counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast.
Buhari’s vision of a united, self-sustaining Nigeria often earned him admiration abroad and scrutiny at home. Yet, his governance style embodied the difficult choices leaders must often make in turbulent times.
“We may not all agree with how Buhari led, but no honest historian can deny that he tried to move Nigeria forward. His memory must not be reduced to partisanship.”
— Dr. Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, Governance Consultant
Condolences, Unity and a National Pause
The Federal Government’s statement also extended heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians. The Minister urged citizens to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, national unity, and patriotism.
“This is not just a holiday—it’s a pause to appreciate a leader who gave much of his life to Nigeria,” said Amb. Sarafa Ishola, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK.
Final Journey to Daura
The body of the late President is expected to arrive Katsina by noon on Tuesday, with final funeral rites scheduled in Daura by 2:00 pm, in accordance with Islamic tradition. A full state burial with military honours will be observed, with President Tinubu, governors, and global dignitaries in attendance.
A Day to Honour, A Lesson to Learn
In these polarised times, national remembrance should be more than formality. It should ignite introspection.
“In our culture, the dead are not reviled, but remembered. Let us remember Buhari with balance—for his flaws, and for the bridges—literal and symbolic—that he built.”
— Bishop Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto
Details
Holiday Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Reason: Honour of late President Muhammadu Buhari
Declared By Ministry of Interior, FG
Type National Public Holiday
Flags Half-mast for 7 days
Funeral 2:00 PM, Daura, Katsina State
Status Full State Burial with Honours
“History honours those who dared to serve. Buhari served. Today, Nigeria pauses to say thank you.”
— Headlinenews.News Editorial.
Headlinenews.news Special Report.
