President Bola Tinubu has appointed a 17‑member inter‑ministerial committee to orchestrate all arrangements for the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The panel, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, includes ministers across crucial portfolios such as Finance, Defence, Interior, Information, Health, Works, Culture, and Housing, along with top security officials like the Inspector‑General of Police, DG DSS, and the Chief of Defence Staff.
A central secretariat has been established under the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office to coordinate operations. All federal ministries, agencies, and departments have been directed to open condolence registers at their premises—while additional registers will be placed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja—to allow Nigerians to pay their respects.
The committee’s formation coincides with the declaration of today, July 15, 2025, as a federal public holiday, marking the second day of the seven-day period of national mourning proclaimed by Tinubu on July 13. The national flag is flying at half-mast across Nigeria in tribute to the late leader.
President Tinubu has urged the participation of state governments and private entities in observing the mourning period. Plans include a formal reception of Buhari’s remains in Katsina and the holding of a state funeral in his hometown, Daura, alongside requisite religious rites and military honors—culminating in a dignified farewell befitting his service to the nation. The committee will oversee every aspect of these proceedings.
