President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has directed that all flags at the government offices in Nigeria and abroad be flown at half-mast on Sunday and Monday to honour the late British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
The 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, monarch of the United Kingdom died on Thursday.
The Buhari government described the late Queen Elizabeth II of England as an iconic leader who exhibited great strength of purpose throughout her reign in the United Kingdom and as Head of the Commonwealth as she fostered great stability and unity amongst nations.
In a condolence message by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed by its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, on Saturday titled, “Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the government stated that under her leadership, Nigeria and Britain enjoyed exceptionally warm relations.
“Britain is home to a large number of people of Nigerian origin thriving in different walks of life. The Queen will be greatly missed. The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mourn her passing and extend sincere sympathies and condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, Members of the Royal Family, Government and People of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well as the entire Commonwealth.
“In honour of the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Nigeria and all her Diplomatic Missions abroad will fly the Nigerian flag at half-mast on Sunday 11th and Monday 12th”. The statement read in parts.
“The Queen is dead. Long live the King,” it added.
Also in a statement by Buhari’s Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the government said, “All flags in Nigeria and our missions abroad be flown at half-mast, on Sunday, September 11, and Monday, September 12, 2022.”
Queen Elizabeth’s son, Charles, Prince of Wales, has been named the new king.