ABUJA, Nigeria — August 24, 2026 — Nigeria’s Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, the observance commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
The declaration was announced by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on behalf of the Federal Government. The official notice was published by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on August 21.
Tunji-Ojo extended greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora and called on citizens to use the occasion to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service to others.
The minister also encouraged Nigerians to pray for the country’s peace and cohesion, stressing that maintaining national unity is a responsibility shared by all citizens. He called for the celebration to be observed peacefully, with restraint and mutual respect.
Public Holiday Takes Effect Tuesday
With the federal public holiday taking effect Tuesday, federal government offices and many public institutions are expected to suspend normal operations for the day. Individuals planning to use banks, schools, government offices or other services should check the operating arrangements of individual institutions.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace during the celebration.
Eid ul Mawlid is observed by Muslims in Nigeria and many other countries as a period of religious reflection and remembrance of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
The government’s announcement places particular emphasis on using this year’s observance to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion across Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
Normal federal government activities are expected to resume after the Tuesday public holiday.