President Muhammadu Buhari gave the order on Saturday, a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Femi Adesina, said.
The flags will be flown in military and para-military formations, as well as public buildings for three days, starting from Sunday, December 30, 2018.
According to Adesina, President Buhari in a statement he personally signed, eulogized the late Shagari, describing him as a man of many parts, who served the country with dedication and moderation.
The statement reads:
“The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our Founding Fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.”
“The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.”
“Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.”
“On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the Government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”
Shagari, the First Executive President of Nigeria, died on Friday, December 28, 2018, at the National Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
He died at the age of 93.
His remains were laid to rest on Saturday at his private residence in his hometown, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.