The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared three days as public holidays to mark the upcoming festive season.
Official Declaration and Dates
In a move that will allow Nigerians nationwide to fully partake in the celebrations, the government has designated Thursday, December 25, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025 as holidays for Christmas and Boxing Day respectively. Furthermore, Thursday, January 1, 2026 has been declared a public holiday for the New Year celebration.
The announcement was made public through a statement released on Monday. The communication was issued by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who acted on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Minister's Message of Reflection and Unity
In his festive message conveyed through the statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo called on citizens to engage in deep reflection. He emphasized the core values synonymous with the birth of Jesus Christ, which include love, peace, humility, and sacrifice.
The Minister made a passionate appeal for national unity, urging all Nigerians, irrespective of religious belief or ethnic background, to use this period as an opportunity. He encouraged prayers for the nation's peace, security, and continuous progress towards development.
"The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building," the Minister stated.
Call for Lawfulness and Security Consciousness
Beyond celebration, the Interior Minister issued crucial advisories to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period for all. He strongly advised citizens to:
- Remain law-abiding in all their activities.
- Maintain a high level of security consciousness.
- Exercise moderation during their celebrations.
- Cooperate fully with the nation's security agencies.
This cooperation, he noted, is vital to guaranteeing a serene and incident-free holiday season across the country. Tunji-Ojo also reiterated his call for public support for the government's ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering national development and social cohesion.
Concluding the announcement, the Minister extended warm seasonal greetings to every Nigerian, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and fulfilling New Year in 2026.
