Five Major National Events Postponed in Nigeria Following Public Holiday for Buhari’s Burial
July 15, 2025 – Nigeria has come to a standstill as multiple high-profile events scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed following the Federal Government’s declaration of a public holiday to honor the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
National Mourning Declared for Former Leader
The late President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state in the 1980s and later as civilian president from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday, July 13, at a London clinic after battling prolonged illness. The 82-year-old statesman’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the nation.
In response, President Bola Tinubu declared a seven-day mourning period, ordering all flags to fly at half-mast nationwide. The Federal Government subsequently announced Tuesday, July 15 as a public holiday to allow citizens participate in burial ceremonies.
Key Events Affected by the Holiday
1. GTCo Autism Conference Rescheduled
The highly anticipated GTCo Autism Conference, originally set for Tuesday at the Muson Centre, has been moved to Wednesday, July 16. Organizers confirmed that while the main conference was postponed, one-on-one consultations will proceed as planned from Thursday through Saturday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat.
2. Federal Executive Council Meeting Postponed
A special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday was called off indefinitely. Presidential sources indicate a new date will be announced after Buhari’s burial ceremonies conclude. The former president’s remains are expected to arrive at Katsina airport from London before final interment in his hometown of Daura.
3. National Assembly Activities Suspended
Both chambers of the National Assembly have suspended all legislative activities, including Tuesday’s plenary session and ongoing Constitution review public hearings. Lawmakers will observe a week-long tribute to the former president, with normal activities set to resume on July 22.
4. APC National Secretariat Closed
The All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja will remain closed from July 14-17 as part of the party’s mourning observance. A planned meeting between APC governors and President Tinubu has also been postponed without a new date announced.
5. School Examinations Disrupted
The holiday has significantly impacted Nigeria’s education sector during peak examination period. While many schools were conducting third term examinations, the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) scheduled for Tuesday (covering Yoruba, Hausa, Efik and Ibibio papers) have been postponed. The National Examination Council (NECO) exams are also affected by the unexpected break.
National Impact of Buhari’s Passing
The widespread postponements demonstrate the profound national impact of Buhari’s death, with both public and private sectors adjusting schedules to accommodate mourning and funeral proceedings. The disruptions highlight the former president’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
As the nation prepares for Buhari’s final journey to Daura, government officials, political leaders, and ordinary citizens continue to pay tribute to the late leader’s legacy. The coming days will see further adjustments to national schedules as Nigeria observes this period of mourning.
Full credit to the original publisher: Sahel Standard