ABUJA —Nigeria will observe a national public holiday on Tuesday, July 15, to honor the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Interior on Monday, comes as part of a seven-day national mourning period declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigerian flags will be flown at half-staff, and citizens are encouraged to reflect on the late president’s contributions to the nation.
“This is a moment of sober reflection for all Nigerians,” said Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, in a televised address. “President Buhari dedicated his life to the service of our nation first in uniform, and later at the helm of democratic leadership.”
Buhari, a retired major general, first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985. After decades in the political wilderness, he returned to power through the ballot box in 2015 and served two consecutive terms as a civilian president until 2023. His administration was marked by a fierce anti-corruption campaign, as well as criticism over economic hardship, insecurity, and constraints on civil liberties.
The federal holiday will affect all public institutions, including schools, banks, and government offices, which will remain closed throughout Tuesday. Essential services such as hospitals and emergency responders will continue to operate.
In the northern city of Daura, Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State, preparations are underway for his burial, scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Dignitaries from across the region and beyond are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be held in accordance with Islamic rites.
Governors in seven northwestern states — Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara have also declared a regional day of mourning, aligning with the national holiday. Markets and commercial activities are expected to pause as residents pay their final respects.
Though opinions on Buhari’s presidency remain divided, many Nigerians have expressed sympathy and reverence for his decades-long role on the national stage.
“He was not perfect, but he was principled,” said Musa Ibrahim, a trader in Abuja. “He gave his life to Nigeria, and for that, we are grateful.”
International condolences have poured in from world leaders, including from the United Nations, the African Union, and several heads of state across West Africa.
The late president is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and several children.
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