Nigeria Mourns Late President Muhammadu Buhari with State Honours and Public Holiday

Nigeria Says Farewell to Former President Muhammadu Buhari

News rarely hits a country as hard as the death of one of its most famous leaders. On July 13, 2025, Muhammadu Buhari, former President and long-time face of Nigerian politics, passed away in a London clinic. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu relayed the solemn news, ordering Nigeria into a week of national mourning. All flags are set to fly at half-staff for seven days, and Tuesday, July 15, has been marked as a public holiday for citizens to pay their respects.

Buhari, both a former military ruler in the 1980s and Nigeria’s democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023, left behind a complicated yet enduring legacy. Whether you supported his policies or were a vocal critic, no one can deny that Buhari shaped Nigeria’s path during toughest transitions, championing anti-corruption drives and lending his persona to the local and international image of the country.

Moments after the news broke, President Tinubu called Buhari’s stewardship a life of commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress. In a personal gesture, Tinubu reached out to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, describing the loss as a heavy blow to the entire nation. Anyone glancing through Abuja’s streets or tuning in to radio stations would catch the same somber mood spreading across Nigeria, with tributes pouring in from every corner.

Honouring a National Figure

The government is pulling out all the stops. Vice President Kashim Shettima was immediately sent to London, not just as a formality but as a sign of deep respect—his task: to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigerian soil. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a special Federal Executive Council meeting on July 15, where Tinubu and his cabinet will offer their official tributes.

Buhari’s final journey will lead him to Daura in Katsina State, his birthplace and political stronghold. His burial will be a full state event, attracting not just President Tinubu but also former heads of state, senior officials, party stalwarts, and dignitaries from home and abroad. Expectations are that thousands will turn out along the roads, waving Nigerian flags and sharing stories from his years in office.

• Buhari was known for his strict approach to leadership and anti-corruption, both during his early military rule and his democratic tenure.
• He was sometimes controversial, drawing praise for national integrity efforts, but also sharp criticism over issues like security and the economy.
• His influence lingered even after he left office in 2023, with many policies and ideas carrying his unmistakable stamp.

The sense of loss is impossible to hide. Government buildings are adorned with banners, while neighbourhoods swap tales of Buhari’s time in command, whether reminiscing about the military era or the more recent years of democracy. Radio and TV broadcasts are looping highlights of his toughest political battles and landmark reforms.

This isn’t just a moment for protocol and ceremony—it’s a time for the country to look at how much has changed, for better or worse, under his watch. It’s rare in politics for one person to leave such a deep and lasting mark, and Nigeria is now left to reckon with what comes next.