Tinubu to receive Buhari’s body in Katsina, sets up committee for burial

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the body of former President, Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Katsina on arrival from London.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Idris also said the Federal Government has unveiled the official programme of events for the burial of  Buhari, who passed away in London.

He announced that President Bola Tinubu had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the state burial.

The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, will work closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to ensure a “dignified and well-coordinated programme.”

The committee includes key ministers, security chiefs, and presidential aides.

“The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the Secretariat to the Committee,” the minister added.

To honour the late President, President Tinubu has declared seven (7) days of National Mourning, beginning Sunday, July 13, 2025, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country.

“All state governments and the private sector are hereby directed to comply accordingly,” Idris said.

In addition, he said Tuesday, July 15, has been declared a Public Holiday, allowing Nigerians to participate in the national farewell.

On the repatriation of the former president’s remains, Idris disclosed that a high-level government delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima is already in London finalising documentation and logistical arrangements.

“The remains of the former President are expected to arrive in Katsina by 12 noon tomorrow, Tuesday,” he stated.

He further revealed that Tinubu would be present in Katsina to personally receive the late president’s body.

“Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport, after which the remains will proceed to Daura, where the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.

The government has also instructed 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to attend the full schedule of burial rites in Katsina and remain for the Third-Day Prayers in Daura on Wednesday, July 16.

As part of public mourning, Idris disclosed that a condolence registers would be opened at all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and Nigerian Embassies and Missions abroad.

On international reactions, Idris confirmed that condolences are pouring in from world leaders.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to receive messages of sympathy from Heads of State and Governments around the world, reflecting the global stature and legacy of the late President Buhari,” he said.

Idris said the Federal Executive Council meeting earlier scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, has been rescheduled to Friday, July 18, in light of the burial arrangements.

The government called on citizens to reflect and pray for the former leader.

“As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the Federal Government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of our former leader,” Idris urged.