Abuja, Nigeria — July 10, 2025
The Federal Government has declared Monday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honour the memory and legacy of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier this month.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the government said the holiday would serve as a day of national reflection in recognition of the late president’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, security architecture, and fight against corruption.
“President Buhari’s tenure marked a defining era in Nigeria’s modern history,” the statement read. “The Federal Government believes it is only fitting that the nation pauses to reflect on his leadership, vision, and service.”
Flags will fly at half-mast across public buildings on the day, while a national memorial service is scheduled to take place at the National Mosque in Abuja. State governments have also been encouraged to organize remembrance activities at the local level.
President Bola Tinubu, in an earlier tribute, described Buhari as “a patriot who devoted his life to Nigeria’s unity and progress,” adding that “his unwavering stance on integrity and discipline left a lasting imprint on the nation.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on July 2, 2025, at the age of 82. He served as Nigeria’s Head of State between 1983 and 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
The July 15 public holiday will be observed nationwide, with banks, government offices, and schools expected to close in observance.