The Federal Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday in Nigeria in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, provoking a debate on social media as to the propriety of the government decision.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, confirmed the declaration made by Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the holiday aligns with the seven-day national mourning period declared by President Bola Tinubu to commemorate Buhari’s passing.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to national unity and progress,” the minister stated. “This public holiday offers all Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and the values he upheld.”
The decision to declare a public holiday sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians mourning his death and others criticising the move as excessive.
“This is wrong. He did not die in office. Only in such circumstances should national mourning involve a public holiday,” posted one user on X (formerly Twitter), known as @Dr_Clandestine.
“Sorry, nobody is going to cry for a wicked man. I’m going to work on that day. Tenkiu,” added, another X user, @SopuruEgbodo.
Investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, also weighed in: “Declaring Tuesday a public holiday over Buhari’s passing betrays our aversion to work as a people… Our civil service culture is already atrocious. National mourning, yes. But abandonment of work? This government is clearly run by quiet quitters.”
Despite the backlash, the Interior Minister urged Nigerians to use the day to honour Buhari’s legacy by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion—values the former president was said to champion.
He also extended the Federal Government’s condolences to Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
