The Federal Government has unveiled the national programme of events for the State burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the burial arrangements in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the late President’s family.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON. Members include ministers responsible for finance, budget, defence, information, works, interior, FCT, housing, health, culture, and other key offices such as the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police. The General Services Office (GSO) will serve as the committee’s secretariat.

The Federal Government has also directed 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to proceed to Katsina for the full schedule of burial rites and to remain for the third-day prayers in Daura on Wednesday, 16th July.

In honour of the late President, President Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period beginning on Sunday, 13th July. Flags are to fly at half-mast across the country, with a nationwide public holiday declared for Tuesday, 15th July. State governments and private organisations have been urged to comply accordingly.

The weekly FEC meeting initially scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Friday, 18th July.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently leading a high-level government delegation in London to finalise documentation and logistics for the repatriation of the former President’s remains. The body is expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday.

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President Tinubu will personally receive the body at a brief military ceremony at Katsina Airport before it is flown to Daura for Janaza (funeral prayers) and interment at Buhari’s private residence.

Condolence registers have been opened in all federal ministries, departments and agencies. Additional registers are also available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigerian embassies and high commissions around the world.

President Tinubu continues to receive condolence messages from global leaders, reflecting Buhari’s stature as a statesman of international repute.