President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with organizing a state funeral for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London.
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is charged with planning and coordinating a befitting state burial for the late elder statesman, who served Nigeria both as military head of state and civilian president.
According to a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, the committee comprises key members of the Federal Executive Council and top security chiefs.
Members include:
- Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Information and National Orientation
- Minister of Works
- Minister of Interior
- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
- Minister of Housing and Urban Development
- Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
- Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy
- National Security Adviser
- Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters
- Inspector General of Police
- Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
- Chief of Defence Staff
The statement noted that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the secretariat to the committee.
In honour of the late president, President Tinubu also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at the entrances of their offices for the public to pay their respects.
In addition, a central condolence register for the diplomatic community and the general public will be opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
“Further briefings will follow as the days unfold,” the statement concluded.
