BREAKING: FG Declares Tuesday, July 15 as Public Holiday to Honour Buhari

In a historic move reflecting the nation's collective grief and respect, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Saturday, July 13 at the age of 82.

The announcement, made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, comes with the full approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It forms part of the broader seven-day national mourning period declared to pay tribute to Buhari's decades of service to the country—as Military Head of State (1983–1985), Civilian President (2015–2023), Petroleum Minister, and one-time Governor of Borno State.

The statement emphasized Buhari's discipline, leadership, and dedication to national development, calling on Nigerians to use the holiday as a moment of sober reflection and unity. Flags are to continue flying at half-mast nationwide as a sign of respect throughout the mourning period.

In a coordinated show of regional solidarity, the Northwest Governors’ Forum also announced a concurrent public holiday across all Northwest states, acknowledging Buhari as a son of the soil whose influence transcended political divides. The governors called on mosques and churches across the region to offer prayers in his honour.

This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that a national holiday has been declared in honour of a former head of state’s death. It reflects not just Buhari’s political legacy but the emotional impact his passing has left on the nation.

Citizens have already begun flooding social media with tributes, throwback photos, and personal memories of the late leader. Many remember him as a no-nonsense general, a staunch anti-corruption crusader, and a symbol of northern resilience. Others, however, remain divided on the legacy he left behind—especially regarding the state of the economy, insecurity, and human rights during his eight-year civilian rule.

With public offices, banks, schools, and many businesses expected to shut down nationwide, the holiday is set to serve as a moment of national pause. Public commemorations and prayer sessions are expected in Abuja, Katsina, Lagos, and key state capitals, as Nigerians say goodbye to a man who once declared, "I belong to nobody and I belong to everybody."

As the nation mourns, one thing is certain: whether loved or criticized, Muhammadu Buhari left a mark on Nigeria's political history that cannot be ignored. Tuesday will be a day to reflect, to remember, and for many, to grieve.

Stay with Busterblog.com for exclusive updates on the national burial proceedings, tributes from world leaders, and live coverage from Abuja.