The burial of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been officially rescheduled to Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The announcement was made by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, during a press briefing on Monday afternoon, citing consultations with the late president’s family and associates in London.
Governor Radda confirmed that the body of the former Head of State will arrive in Nigeria by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, with interment scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Buhari’s private residence in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites. The shift from the earlier date of Monday was attributed to logistics and protocol arrangements required for the high-level state funeral.
As of Monday evening, the late president’s body was en route to Nigeria aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, top government officials, and representatives from the presidency. Thousands of mourners are expected to line the streets of Daura to witness the burial procession.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, after a prolonged undisclosed illness in London, served Nigeria as a two-time leader — first as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His death marks the end of a defining political era in Nigeria’s history.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier declared a seven-day national mourning period beginning Sunday, with all flags flying at half-mast nationwide. Katsina State also declared Monday a public holiday to allow citizens to mourn one of their most prominent sons and national figures.
Security has been intensified across Katsina and particularly in Daura ahead of the final rites, with the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps coordinating crowd control and perimeter protection. Dignitaries, traditional rulers, foreign envoys, and top clerics are expected at the burial.
The state funeral will be followed by a national memorial session on Wednesday, where tributes will continue to pour in for the late president. For many Nigerians, this week is more than mourning — it is a reflection on legacy, leadership, and the responsibilities of those who follow.
