President Tinubu Declares Seven-Day National Mourning as Former President Buhari is Laid to Rest Today

Abuja, Nigeria – July 14, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a seven-day period of national mourning to honor the memory of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London hospital following a prolonged illness. The announcement was made in a somber address to the nation, reflecting the profound loss felt across Nigeria as the country bids farewell to one of its most prominent leaders.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, President Tinubu ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast across Nigeria and at Nigerian missions abroad for the duration of the mourning period, commencing on July 13, 2025. The gesture symbolizes the nation’s collective grief for a leader who served as Nigeria’s President from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, and previously as military Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a statesman, a patriot, and a leader who dedicated his life to the service of our great nation,” President Tinubu said in his address. “Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, his unwavering commitment to unity, and his principled leadership will forever remain etched in our history. We join his family, friends, and the people of Daura, Katsina State, in grieving this monumental loss.”

State Funeral and National Tributes

As a mark of respect, President Tinubu has directed that former President Buhari be accorded a state funeral befitting his contributions to Nigeria. Preliminary reports indicate that the funeral is scheduled to take place today, Monday, July 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Buhari’s hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites. The Federal Government has assured that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure a dignified and solemn ceremony.

To facilitate the funeral proceedings, President Tinubu has instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. The repatriation process is expected to be completed swiftly to allow for the scheduled burial. The Presidency has also called on Nigerians to observe the mourning period with decorum and to honor Buhari’s memory through acts of unity and reflection.

Emergency FEC Session

In a further tribute to the late former president, President Tinubu has summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The session, to be held in Abuja, will focus on honoring Buhari’s legacy and deliberating on ways to immortalize his contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic, and social landscape. The FEC meeting is expected to draw high-ranking government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from various sectors of society.

Buhari’s Legacy

Muhammadu Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, was a towering figure in Nigerian history. His military and political career spanned decades, marked by his rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, his tenure as military Head of State, and his two-term presidency as a democratically elected leader. Buhari’s administration was noted for its anti-corruption campaigns, efforts to combat insecurity, and initiatives aimed at economic diversification.

While his tenure was not without challenges and criticisms, Buhari’s commitment to national unity and his ascetic lifestyle earned him widespread respect among Nigerians, particularly in the northern region. His passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens across the country, with many describing him as a symbol of discipline and integrity.

National and International Reactions

The news of Buhari’s death has reverberated beyond Nigeria’s borders, with condolence messages pouring in from world leaders and international organizations. The United Nations, African Union, and several heads of state have expressed their sympathies, acknowledging Buhari’s role in regional stability and his contributions to peacekeeping efforts in West Africa.

At home, Nigerians from all walks of life have taken to social media and public gatherings to mourn the late leader. In Daura, preparations are underway for the funeral, with community leaders and residents expressing their pride in Buhari’s legacy. “He was our son, our pride, and a leader who never forgot his roots,” said Alhaji Musa Yaro, a community elder in Daura.

A Call for Unity

President Tinubu, in his address, urged Nigerians to use this period of mourning to reflect on the values of unity, discipline, and service that defined Buhari’s life. “Let us come together as a nation to honor his memory by building on the foundation he laid for a stronger, more united Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

As the nation prepares to lay former President Buhari to rest today, the mood across Nigeria is one of solemn reflection. The seven-day mourning period is expected to see various commemorative events, including prayer sessions, tributes, and memorial services, as Nigerians bid farewell to a leader whose life and service left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.