President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived at the Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport in Katsina on Tuesday afternoon to participate in the state burial of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital at the age of 82.

The Nigerian leader touched down at approximately 1:48 p.m., where he was warmly received by an array of top-ranking political figures and dignitaries. Among those present at the airport to welcome the president were Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. In addition, several governors, ministers, National Assembly members, and senior government officials joined the reception.

Also in attendance were influential personalities including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group; Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture; former governors, past and present senators, and members of the APC National Working Committee, all accompanied by a contingent of security officials.

Buhari’s Remains Flown from London to Nigeria

Earlier in the day, the body of the late former president was flown from London, United Kingdom, aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft en route to Daura, Katsina State, where his final burial will take place.

According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the late president’s remains were scheduled to land in Nigeria by 12:00 noon. President Tinubu, in a personal show of respect, had committed to receiving the body himself upon arrival in Katsina.

Shortly after landing, a brief military ceremony was held in honour of the deceased leader before the motorcade proceeded towards Daura, his hometown, where burial arrangements had already been finalized.

National Mourning Declared, Condolence Registers Opened

In a national broadcast on Monday, Minister Idris revealed that President Tinubu had officially declared a period of national mourning. He directed all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers in tribute to the late Buhari.

Furthermore, Nigerian embassies and missions abroad have been instructed to follow suit, providing citizens and foreign dignitaries around the world an opportunity to pay their respects. A special condolence register was also opened at the newly inaugurated Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Global Tributes Pour In

Minister Idris noted that heads of state, presidents, and prime ministers across the globe had begun sending in messages of condolence, praising Buhari’s global influence, legacy, and impact during his time as both military and civilian leader of Nigeria.

“These tributes underscore President Buhari’s stature on the international stage and highlight the respect he earned through his anti-corruption stance, his leadership on regional security, and his consistent commitment to national unity,” Idris stated.

Government Organizes Burial Through Inter-Ministerial Committee

To ensure a seamless and dignified farewell, President Tinubu has formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. This committee has been tasked with overseeing the state burial in coordination with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.

The committee’s responsibilities include organizing the military honours, the funeral prayer (Jana’iza), and interment, as well as managing logistics for the arrival of dignitaries and foreign representatives.

Idris further disclosed that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been mandated to accompany the president to Daura and participate in the Third-Day Islamic prayers (fidau) scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Final Journey to Daura: Military Honours and Interment

Following the official reception and military ceremony in Katsina, Buhari’s remains were escorted by a security convoy to Daura, his ancestral hometown. Once there, religious leaders and thousands of mourners gathered for the Jana’iza prayer, a solemn Islamic funeral rite.

The interment took place shortly after the prayers, within the grounds of his private residence in Daura, in keeping with Islamic tradition and the wishes of the Buhari family.

Remembering Buhari: Statesman, Reformer, and Patriot

Muhammadu Buhari’s political career spanned over four decades. He first led Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and later returned to power through the ballot box, becoming the democratically elected president in 2015, serving two terms until 2023.

Throughout his tenure, Buhari became widely known for his anti-corruption campaign, efforts to fight Boko Haram insurgents, and his drive to restore transparency and discipline in public service. Though his administration faced criticism on issues like insecurity and economic challenges, Buhari remained a symbol of personal integrity and patriotism to many supporters.

A Nation in Mourning, A Legacy Remembered

Across Nigeria, the death of former President Buhari has triggered a wave of reflection and national grief. As tributes continue to flood in from global leaders and everyday citizens alike, the government has vowed to honour his memory with a series of memorial activities over the coming days.

President Tinubu, standing at the center of these state-led arrangements, called on Nigerians to unite in mourning and celebrate the life and contributions of a man who, despite flaws and challenges, remained steadfast in his belief in Nigeria’s future.

“May Almighty Allah grant the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” concluded the Information Minister during Monday’s press briefing.

As Daura embraces its son one final time, Nigeria bids farewell to a towering figure in its modern history.