President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82.
In a related development, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late Nigerian leader.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is responsible for coordinating all activities related to the funeral. It is composed of senior government officials and heads of security agencies, reflecting the significance of the national farewell being planned.
Among those named to the committee are the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Information and National Orientation, Works, Interior, FCT, Housing and Urban Development, as well as Health and Social Welfare, and Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
Also included are the National Security Adviser, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Chief of Defence Staff. The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the secretariat.
As part of the mourning arrangements, President Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at their entrances for members of the public to pay their respects.
A central condolence register will also be available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja for the diplomatic community and the wider public.
Tuesday’s public holiday aligns with the scheduled interment of the former President, which will take place in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. His body is expected to arrive by noon, with the burial ceremony set for later that day.
This declaration follows the earlier announcement of a seven-day period of national mourning effective from July 13th, during which all flags are to be flown at half-mast.
Further details regarding the state funeral and official tributes will be communicated in the days ahead, according to the Presidency.