The Federal Government has deployed twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council to Katsina State to participate fully in the funeral rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The delegation is expected to remain in the state until the third-day prayers scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Daura, the late president’s hometown.
This directive forms part of the comprehensive burial arrangements approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has declared seven days of national mourning in honor of the departed statesman. The national flag is to fly at half-mast across Nigeria during this period, with Tuesday, July 15, designated as a public holiday to enable citizens to pay their respects.
A high powered inter ministerial committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is overseeing the state burial in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family. The committee comprises key cabinet members, security chiefs, and senior presidential aides, with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, serving as its secretariat.
The remains of the former president is expected to arrive at the Katsina Airport by noon on Tuesday, following repatriation efforts led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. A brief military ceremony will be conducted at the airport before the body is conveyed to Daura for the funeral prayer and interment at the family residence.
President Tinubu will personally receive the remains in Katsina and lead the federal government’s delegation in paying final respects.
Condolence registers have been opened across all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, with additional registers available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and Nigerian embassies worldwide.
The special Federal Executive Council meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Friday, July 18, to allow for full participation in the burial activities.
Meanwhile, messages of condolence continue to pour in from world leaders, reflecting the global stature of the late president.
The deployment of such a significant number of federal ministers underscores the importance attached to giving Nigeria’s former leader a dignified farewell. Their presence in Katsina is expected to provide necessary federal support to the state government and ensure seamless coordination of the elaborate burial programme.
As the nation mourns, security agencies have been placed on high alert to maintain order during the funeral proceedings, particularly in Daura where large crowds of mourners are anticipated. The military and other security services will provide ceremonial honors and ensure public safety throughout the period of national mourning.
The federal government has called on all Nigerians to observe the mourning period with solemn reflection and prayers for the repose of the former president’s soul, while complying with all official directives regarding the burial arrangements. State governments and private institutions have been similarly urged to adhere to the protocols established for the state funeral.
Discussion about this post