Nigeria orders national flag at half mast, declares Tuesday public holiday in honour of late ex-President Buhari
By KEMI KASUMU
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15th July 2025, as a public holiday in honour of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who died on Sunday in London.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Ministry of Interior, the holiday is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period earlier announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government following presidential approval.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister stated.
He further urged Nigerians to use the day to honour the former president’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion in line with Buhari’s vision for a united and prosperous country.
The Ministry confirmed that national flags will continue to fly at half-mast from Sunday, 13th July through the seven-day mourning period.
On Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while confirming the death of the former leader, declared the flying of national flag at half mast.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.
“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today.
“I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.
“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” said Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the statement personally signed by him dated July 13, 2025.
