TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING ON THE BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (GCFR) BY MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, ON MONDAY, 14TH JULY, 2025
Gentlemen of the Press, good afternoon.
Following deliberations by the Federal Government on the burial arrangements for our departed former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, I am here to brief you on the outcomes of those discussions and the national programme of events that will follow.
To ensure a dignified and well-coordinated programme, the President has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the State Burial, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the family of the former President.
The Committee, is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON. Other members are:
i. Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
ii. Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
iii. Honourable Minister of Defence;
iv Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
v. Honourable Minister of Works
vi. Honourable Minister of Interior
vii. Honourable Minister of FCT
viii. Minister of Housing and Urban Development
ix. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare;
x. Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
xi. National Security Adviser
xii. Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
xiii. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters;
xiv. Inspector General of Police
xv. Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
xvi. Chief of Defence Staff
The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the Secretariat to the Committee.
Participation of FEC Members:
Twenty-five (25) members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of the burial rites and remain for the Third-Day Prayers in Daura on Wednesday, 16th July, 2025.
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.
Postponement of FEC Meeting:
The Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 15th July 2025, has been rescheduled to Friday, 18th July 2025.
Declaration of National Mourning:
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has declared seven (7) days of National Mourning which commenced on Sunday, 13th July 2025. During this period, the National Flag will fly at half-mast across the country. All State Governments and the private sector are hereby directed to comply accordingly. In addition, the President has declared tomorrow, Tuesday, a Public Holiday.
Repatriation of the Former President’s Remains:
A high-level Federal Government delegation, led by the Vice-President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, is currently in London to conclude documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of the former President’s remains. The remains of the former president is expected to arrive in Katsina by 12: noon tomorrow Tuesday.
Military Ceremony and Jana’iza in Daura:
Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina. The remains will thereafter proceed to Daura, where the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place, followed by interment at the late President’s residence.
Condolence Registers:
The President has directed that Condolence Registers be opened in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Additional registers will be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, as well as at Nigerian Embassies and Missions abroad.
International Condolences:
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.
