Nigerians in a sombre procession as the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London on Tuesday morning, heading home to Nigeria for his highly anticipated state funeral. The body was transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, marking the beginning of the country’s official mourning period.

A high-level delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima accompanied the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria. The Vice President, along with other top officials, is coordinating the necessary documentation and logistics to ensure a dignified repatriation.

According to the federal government, President Bola Tinubu will personally receive Buhari’s remains upon their arrival in Katsina, Buhari’s home state. A brief military ceremony is planned at the airport before the body is escorted to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where he will be laid to rest.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed these details during a press briefing in Abuja. He stated that Buhari’s body, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital, was expected to arrive in Nigeria by midday Tuesday.

“President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the remains in Katsina,” Idris said. “A short military ceremony will be held at the airport, after which the body will be moved to Daura for funeral prayers and interment at Buhari’s residence.”

As part of the national mourning process, Idris announced that condolence registers have been opened across all federal ministries, departments, agencies, as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad. An additional condolence register will be available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The Minister also highlighted that global leaders have continued to send their condolences, reflecting President Buhari’s significant stature on the world stage. “The messages from Heads of State and Governments around the world attest to the legacy of Buhari’s leadership,” he said.

To ensure a respectful and well-organised funeral, President Tinubu has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The committee will coordinate efforts alongside the Katsina State government and Buhari’s family.

Furthermore, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been instructed to proceed to Katsina for the burial rites and to stay in Daura for the ‘Third-Day’ prayers scheduled for Wednesday.

As Nigeria prepares to bid farewell to one of its most prominent leaders, the nation stands united in mourning and remembrance of Muhammadu Buhari’s enduring legacy.