LONDON — Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday morning to coordinate the repatriation of the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.
The high-level delegation, acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was received at a private terminal in London by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
The solemn visit was confirmed via an official post on the Vice President’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, noting that the mission is part of national preparations to ensure a dignified return and final rites for the late former leader.
President Tinubu had, in his formal address on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s death in a London hospital, and ordered full state honours, including the lowering of national flags across all public buildings for seven days. He also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Buhari’s honour.
Buhari, 82, served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1984 to 1985, and later as democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the globe, with leaders and citizens remembering him as a nationalist who pursued a disciplined, anti-corruption agenda during his time in office.
Arrangements are underway for Buhari’s body to be flown back to Nigeria in a state aircraft. Upon arrival, he will be accorded full military honours, followed by a national funeral ceremony expected to be held in Abuja and later in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Further details on the burial timetable are expected to be released by the presidency in coordination with the late president’s family.
The nation remains in a period of official mourning, with flags at half-mast and condolence registers opened in diplomatic missions worldwide.
