Our Reporter, Abuja
The Federal Government has through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
This was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
The holiday is part of activities marking the seven-day national mourning period earlier declared by the President to honour the memory of the former Nigerian leader who passed away at the age of 82.
According to the statement, the public holiday is a mark of respect for Buhari’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, and his legacy in governance and national development.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” it stated.
The statement urged Nigerians to use the day to reflect on the values the late President stood for—peace, patriotism, and national unity—and to recommit themselves to building a prosperous and cohesive nation.
As part of the national mourning, the government also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period, which began on Sunday, July 13, and will last until Saturday, July 19.
The Federal Government extended its condolences to the family of the late President, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Meanwhile, mix reactions have trailed the declaration of public holiday on Tuesday to honour the late former President Buhari as some citizens view the declaration as unnecessary while some others disagree.
Taking to his X handle, notable investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, said the public holiday declaration speaks to the nation’s atrocious work culture.
“Declaring Tuesday a public holiday over Buhari’s passing betrays our aversion to work as a people. Our work culture, especially in the civil service, is atrocious.
“A period of national mourning, yes. Flags flying at half mast, yes. But an abandonment of work?
“This government is clearly run by quiet quitters,” the founder of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) wrote.
Similarly, another X user @AlexNwogu2 replying to Soyombo simply wrote: “Just saw the news, and I found it repulsive. So, if incumbent come pass, na 1 week we go take?”
Another X user @mosesImomoh also disapproved of the holiday declaration as he posted: “We can simply print or borrow money. The government did not run on productivity.”
@ApexHodde wrote: It’s unacceptable. We just came out of a 9-hour curfew last Saturday due to LG SELECTIONS in Lagos.
“Production and distribution time wasted.
“Happily consuming what is left of the commonwealth.
“This government derives so much joy in stagnating the economy!”
But Usman Dayo Ademola berated those criticising the declaration of public holiday to honour President Buhari.
He wrote: “Imagine someone that’s supposed to be a beacon of knowledge to others. You don’t need to criticise everything egbon. Sometimes, let humanity lead you, he paid his dues irrespective of his short comings.”
Another X user @zubymadu supported the public holiday saying: “Public holiday is not a lockdown. It simply means more expensive business because essential labour is costlier. It is not out of place to honour Buhari with a public holiday. Calm down and do some introspection.”
