President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina to receive the remains of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of his state burial in Daura.
The Nigerian leader touched down at approximately 1:48 p.m. on Tuesday, where he was welcomed by governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and other top government officials.
Meanwhile, the body of the late former President departed London earlier in the day aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at a hospital in the UK, is to be interred in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites.
During a press briefing on Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the President’s travel plans and detailed the official funeral arrangements.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina.
Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place thereafter, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.
The minister further disclosed that condolence registers would be opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as in Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide. An additional register will be placed at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
“The condolences coming in from Heads of State and Governments across the globe are a testament to the global stature and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he added.
To ensure a dignified ceremony, Tinubu constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The committee will work with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
Idris also announced that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been instructed to attend the burial rites and remain in Daura for the Third-Day prayers scheduled for Wednesday.
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