Daniel Otera
Legislative activities at Nigeria’s National Assembly have been suspended until Tuesday, 22 July 2025, following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
The announcement, issued on Monday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, described the decision as a mark of respect for the late former leader’s contributions to national service.
“All legislative activities in the National Assembly are hereby suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025,” Ogunlana stated. “This directive comes from the leadership of both chambers.”
The late president passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. According to the family, he had been receiving treatment in the United Kingdom for age-related complications. His remains are expected to arrive in Nigeria for burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, later this week.
Muhammadu Buhari’s role in Nigeria’s political history spanned more than four decades. He first came to power as military Head of State from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, following a coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari. His military regime was marked by an aggressive anti-corruption campaign and a strict enforcement of discipline in public service.
Three decades later, Buhari returned through democratic means. In 2015, he became the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to unseat a sitting president, defeating Goodluck Jonathan under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He secured re-election in 2019 and completed his constitutionally permitted two terms in May 2023.
His administration was defined by flagship programmes aimed at tackling corruption, insurgency, and infrastructural deficits. Notable among these were the N-Power scheme, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, and investments in rail transport and road networks.
“He carried a broom on the presidential campaign trail, declaring that he would sweep away the evil of corruption,” the Washington Post noted in its obituary report.
Despite key policy initiatives, Buhari’s economic stewardship attracted intense scrutiny. Nigeria slipped into recession twice under his leadership in 2016 and again in 2020. According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2023 Annual Economic Report, the country’s GDP grew by just 2.74 percent in 2023, reflecting a slow post-pandemic recovery.
Inflationary pressures remained persistent. As of May 2023, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 22.41 percent, while food inflation climbed to 24.82 percent, fuelled by insecurity in food-producing areas, supply chain disruptions, and a volatile foreign exchange environment.
Debt accumulation also surged during his administration. The Debt Management Office (DMO) reported that Nigeria’s total public debt stock increased from ₦12.1 trillion in 2015 to ₦77 trillion by May 2023 the highest in the nation’s history at the time.
Nevertheless, Buhari’s popularity remained strong in much of northern Nigeria, where his image as a disciplined, devout, and incorruptible leader resonated deeply with large segments of the population.
The suspension of National Assembly sittings is part of broader national mourning efforts being led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Presidential aides confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima is already in London to coordinate arrangements for the return of Buhari’s remains and the forthcoming state burial.
“The leadership of both chambers also extended condolences to the government and people of Nigeria, the government and people of Katsina State, and the Buhari family, including his wives and children,” Ogunlana added.
This is the first time the National Assembly has suspended proceedings for over a week since the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. A legislative performance review by YIAGA Africa noted that in March 2020, plenary was halted as a public health precaution, delaying the passage of key bills and national response strategies.
There are now concerns that this current suspension could affect deliberations on pressing matters, including the 2025 Supplementary Budget and constitutional reform bills. A fiscal policy expert, quoted by Financial Trust, warned that “a national legislature requires a minimum of three months for effective consideration of the annual budget estimates,” a timeline that could now be compromised due to the extended break.
The House Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review is also expected to delay its ongoing review of proposals aimed at tightening Nigeria’s budget calendar. Among the proposals is a clause to prohibit late budget submissions by the executive deliberations which may now be postponed.
While plenary is scheduled to resume on 22 July, insiders suggest that legislative business may remain subdued throughout the rest of the month, with tributes, motions, and condolence visits likely to dominate chamber activities.
Security is expected to be heightened across Abuja and Katsina State as preparations continue for Buhari’s burial. Federal authorities are reportedly considering the declaration of a national public holiday in his honour.
The passing of former President Buhari has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the political, religious, and civil society spectrum. While many acknowledged his achievements, others urged Nigerians to reflect on the full breadth of his legacy.
In a statement issued from Kaduna, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation described him as “a disciplined and principled leader whose anti-corruption stance and infrastructural initiatives shaped his presidency.” The group added, “President Buhari’s legacy rests on his lifelong dedication to public service, discipline, and unity.”
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed also praised Buhari, calling him “a statesman of uncommon integrity, discipline, and simplicity.” He noted that the late leader made significant contributions to the fight against corruption, agricultural development, and national security.
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo described Buhari as “a true patriot whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.” In a condolence message posted online, Osinbajo wrote:
“Nigeria has lost a true patriot, a man whose life was defined by honesty, simplicity, and a firm commitment to the public good.”
Public reactions have been mixed. While some Nigerians on social media celebrated Buhari’s personal virtues and military-era discipline, others were more critical of the economic and human rights records of his democratic tenure.
Public commentator Reno Omokri posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“From God we came and to Him we return.… He served Nigeria in peacetime and war and left a legacy that was worthy of emulation in many areas.”
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.… May Allah grant him mercy, forgive his sins, and grant him the highest level of Jannah.”