In honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday, following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo, while speaking through a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said the public holiday is part of the seven-day national mourning declared earlier by the presidency to celebrate the life and legacy of the late former president. According to the minister, the decision is not just symbolic but meant to give Nigerians a moment to reflect on Buhari’s contributions to the development of the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari died on Sunday at the age of 82 while receiving medical treatment in a private clinic in London, United Kingdom. His passing was confirmed in an official statement released by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu. His death came as a shock to many Nigerians, even though he had stayed away from public life since handing over to President Bola Tinubu in May 2023.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo described Buhari as a leader who gave his all to Nigeria, showing dedication, patriotism, and an unwavering belief in the unity of the country. “In furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15th July 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement said.
According to the minister, Buhari’s years in public service — both as a military leader and as a democratically elected president — were marked by efforts to fight corruption, protect national security, and reposition the country on the global stage. He said Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey will not be forgotten in a hurry.
He urged Nigerians to use the public holiday to honour Buhari’s memory by embracing peace, unity, and patriotism — ideals that the former president stood for throughout his life. “The holiday is a mark of respect for the late president’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development,” he said.
President Tinubu, in his own tribute released on Sunday evening, had described Buhari as a father figure, a disciplined leader, and a statesman who remained committed to Nigeria’s progress even in the face of criticism. He had also ordered that national flags across Nigeria and in all foreign missions be flown at half-mast for seven days, from Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Buhari, who hailed from Daura in Katsina State, served as Nigeria’s Head of State between 1983 and 1985 after a military coup, and later returned as a civilian president in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He ruled the country for eight years and stepped down in 2023 after completing his second term in office.
He is remembered for his anti-corruption war, the introduction of key infrastructure projects such as railways and roads, and his controversial but bold policies on fuel subsidy removal and agricultural self-sufficiency.
Many prominent Nigerians, including state governors, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations, have paid glowing tributes to the late leader, describing him as a man of principle, discipline, and national focus.
Meanwhile, Katsina State Government has also declared a separate public holiday and ordered prayers and special tributes across the state. Various mosques and churches across Nigeria have also scheduled remembrance services for the late President.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo concluded his statement by expressing condolences on behalf of the Federal Government to the family of the late president, the government and people of Katsina State, and indeed all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
