Federal Government Declares Public Holiday in Honour of Late President Buhari
Abuja | TEC News | 14th July, 2025.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London.
The announcement was made on Monday evening by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who earlier directed that flags be flown at half-mast nationwide for seven days—from Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19 as part of a national mourning period.
According to the minister, the one-day holiday is intended to allow Nigerians pay their respects and reflect on the life and legacy of the former military Head of State and two-term democratically elected President.
“President Tinubu has approved Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday to mark a day of national reflection for the late President Muhammadu Buhari. This is in line with the ongoing mourning period and out of respect for the former leader’s significant role in shaping Nigeria’s modern history,”
the statement read.
President Tinubu, who expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s passing, has also dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the United Kingdom to accompany the late leader’s body back home for burial in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
In response, various state governments, political groups, and civil society organizations have joined in expressing condolences, with the Northwest Governors’ Forum and numerous Islamic scholars commending the national gesture as fitting and honorable.
The late Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria first as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President between 2015 and 2023. His legacy remains a subject of national discourse, with tributes pouring in both locally and internationally.