President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived at the Umaru Musa Yaradua Airport in Katsina around 1:48 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, to receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82.
Tinubu was welcomed by governors, ministers, National Assembly members, and other senior government officials as part of the solemn national burial arrangements for the late Nigerian leader.
Buhari’s Final Journey
The remains of former President Buhari departed London earlier in the day aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet. They touched down in Katsina, from where it will be transported to Daura, his hometown, for final interment.
According to Information Minister Mohammed Idris, a brief military ceremony was held upon arrival at the airport.
The Jana’iza (Islamic funeral prayer) is scheduled to follow, after which the late president will be laid to rest at his private residence in Daura.
National Mourning and Dignitaries’ Presence
To honour the late president, President Tinubu had earlier declared Tuesday a public holiday and announced a seven-day national mourning period, during which flags will fly at half-mast across the country and in Nigerian embassies worldwide.
Additionally, condolence registers have been opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian foreign missions. A central condolence register has also been opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Global Reactions and State Coordination
Minister Idris confirmed that world leaders have continued to send in condolence messages, highlighting Buhari’s global legacy.
To ensure a dignified burial, Tinubu established a 25-member Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The committee is coordinating efforts with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
25 Federal Executive Council members have also been deployed to Katsina to participate in the burial rites and will remain in Daura for the Third-Day prayers, scheduled for Wednesday.
