FG Declares 3-Day Public Holiday for Christmas, New Year

Government urges Nigerians to embrace unity, peace and responsible celebrations as festivities approach

The Federal Government has declared December 25 and 26, 2025, as well as January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations across the country.

The announcement was made on Monday through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The declaration gives Nigerians a three-day break spread across the festive season, officially clearing the way for end-of-year travel, religious observances and family gatherings.

According to the statement, the holidays are intended to recognize the significance of Christmas and the transition into a new year, both of which hold deep religious, cultural and social meaning for millions of Nigerians.

Beyond the holiday declaration, the Interior Minister used the opportunity to call for reflection and national introspection. Tunji-Ojo urged Christians to look beyond the celebrations and reconnect with the core values associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, including love, humility, peace and sacrifice. He described these virtues as essential to fostering tolerance and unity in a diverse society like Nigeria.

The message, however, was not limited to Christians alone. Tunji-Ojo appealed to Nigerians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to use the festive period to pray for peace, improved security and sustained national development. He noted that moments like this offer the country a chance to pause, reflect and renew collective commitment to building a more stable and cohesive nation.

The minister also reminded citizens that celebration should go hand in hand with responsibility. He advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious throughout the holiday period, stressing the importance of moderation and cooperation with security agencies to ensure peaceful festivities nationwide.

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“The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another and recommit to nation-building,” the statement said.

Tunji-Ojo further emphasised that public safety during the festive season depends on shared responsibility, urging communities to look out for one another and report suspicious activities when necessary.

The holiday announcement comes at a time when churches, businesses and transport operators are ramping up preparations for increased movement and commercial activity. For many Nigerians, the official confirmation provides clarity for travel plans and end-of-year schedules.

The Interior Minister concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, expressing hope that the coming year would bring renewed optimism, peace, and progress across the country.