President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate a befitting state burial for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital.
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has been tasked with overseeing all ceremonial and logistical arrangements to honour the late leader in accordance with national tradition and dignity.
The announcement was made in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Mr. Segun Imohiosen. The statement noted that President Tinubu emphasized the importance of honouring President Buhari’s legacy with solemn respect and full state recognition.
“The President has directed that all necessary arrangements be made to ensure that the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari is conducted with honour, befitting his status as a former Head of State and two-term elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Membership of the Inter-Ministerial Committee cuts across key government ministries, departments, and agencies. It includes top government functionaries and heads of national security and defence institutions.
Among the committee members are officials from the Presidency, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Aviation. Also on the committee are the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
The committee is expected to work closely with the family of the late President and other relevant stakeholders to deliver a well-coordinated and dignified state funeral.
President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria first as a military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as a civilian President from 2015 to 2023. Known for his anti-corruption stance, minimalist lifestyle, and dedication to public service, he left a significant mark on Nigeria’s political history.
Further details regarding the burial programme — including the lying-in-state, national prayers, tributes, and final interment in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State — are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to observe the period of mourning with decorum and respect as the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most consequential leaders.
