The federal government of Nigeria declared Tuesday public holiday; Public institutions across Nigeria suspends activities, as the nation observes a period of deep mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at a clinic in London, and will be laid to rest on Tuesday at his hometown in Daura, Kastina state.
The Nigerian leader passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82, prompting an outpouring of grief and a directive from the Federal Government to honor his memory.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a seven-day period of national mourning, beginning immediately, during which flags are to fly at half-mast across the country. As a further mark of respect, the Federal Government announced Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday. The impact of these directives was immediately felt. The National Assembly, a key arm of government, suspended all legislative activities for one week, rescheduling its plenary session from Tuesday, July 14, to Tuesday, July 22.
Alongside, all banks, schools and other institutions will be closed tomorrow in respect to the burial of the late president tomorrow.
Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the Clerk of the National Assembly, stated that the decision was made by the leadership of both chambers to allow full participation in the burial activities of the former President.
Similarly, state governments have joined the national mourning. Katsina State, Buhari’s home state, announced Tuesday, July 15, as a public holiday and confirmed that the late President would be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura at 2:00 p.m. on that day, following the arrival of his remains at 12 noon. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described Buhari as a “national icon” whose legacy would be etched in Nigeria’s history.
Beyond government offices, various organizations and professional bodies have also expressed their sorrow and suspended non-essential operations. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) issued a statement mourning Buhari’s passing and calling on Nigerians to reflect on his enduring values of national unity, public service, and accountability. The All Progressives Congress (APC) – His political party, also closed its national secretariat for three days in honor of its former leader.
Tributes have poured in from within Nigeria and globally, recognizing Buhari’s contributions during his time as a military Head of State (1984-1985) and as a democratically elected President (2015-2023). President Tinubu hailed him as a disciplined patriot, while the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and various religious leaders lauded his commitment to national unity and regional integration.
As the nation prepares for the final rites, the widespread closure of public institutions serves as a stark visual representation of the profound sorrow felt by many Nigerians at the loss of a leader who, for good or ill, left an indelible mark on the country’s history.
