Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The burial ceremony attracted tributes, solemn prayers, and a gathering of prominent African and global leaders who came to honour the late statesman.
Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, July 13, was remembered by many for his reputation for integrity and efforts to tackle corruption and insecurity during his time in office.
Flags continue to fly at half-mast across Nigeria, while international bodies, including the United Nations (UN), ECOWAS, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, joined in paying tribute.
Below is the list of top African figures and dignitaries who attended the historic burial:
1) President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau
President Embaló joined thousands of mourners in Daura for the funeral rites. Embaló, elected in 2020, had maintained close ties with Buhari, previously visiting Abuja on a diplomatic thank-you tour.
2) Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic
The Nigerien prime minister travelled to Katsina to pay his respects, reflecting the deep ties Buhari shared with Nigeria’s northern neighbour.
3) President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria
President Tinubu led the Nigerian delegation, which included senior government officials, governors, lawmakers, and political leaders. Tinubu arrived at around 1:48 p.m. and participated in the state burial ceremony.
4) Former President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic
Issoufou, who led Niger from 2011 to 2021, was present to honour Buhari. The former Nigerian president had openly expressed admiration for Niger, famously remarking in 2023 that the neighbouring nation would “defend him” after he left office.
The state funeral featured Islamic burial rites led by the Chief Imam of Daura, a military guard of honour, and a 21-gun salute.
Buhari’s Legacy: Achievements Remembered
Dr. Olasupo Olakunle Thompson, a historian and political analyst, highlighted Buhari’s notable achievements despite his controversial record.
As a military leader:
Launched the War Against Indiscipline, promoted anti-corruption, and combated drug trafficking.
Served as Petroleum Minister and played a role in building Nigeria’s refineries.
Helped establish what later became the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund).
As a civilian president:
Created the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp) in 2021 with N1 trillion seed funding.
Oversaw critical projects: new roads, rail lines, the Abuja–Kaduna railway, and oil exploration in the Chad Basin.
Advanced the school feeding programme to support children’s nutrition.
On security:
Procured hundreds of modern armoured vehicles, tanks, and troop carriers.
Recruited 20,000 new police officers, with plans to increase to 40,000.
In drug control:
The NDLEA arrested over 24,000 traffickers between 2021 and 2022, seized drugs and assets worth over N450 billion, and destroyed large cannabis farms.
On governance and welfare:
Managed the COVID-19 pandemic effectively through the Presidential Task Force.
Released more than N2 trillion in bailout funds to help states meet salary and pension obligations.
Emotional Scenes at the Burial
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda was visibly moved as he stood beside Buhari’s gravesite, alongside dignitaries and military officials. Videos of Governor Radda wiping away tears trended widely on social media.
During his lifetime, Buhari built a reputation rooted in discipline and resilience, contesting the presidency multiple times before winning in 2015 as Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent.
