FG Declares Public Holidays for Christmas and New Year Celebrations
By Erewunmi Peace
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced three public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the government declared the following days as public holidays:
Thursday, 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
According to the statement, these holidays are designed to allow citizens across the country to fully observe the festive season and celebrate with their families and loved ones.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Nigerians irrespective of their faith or background. He urged citizens to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the festive period, and to use the holidays as an opportunity to pray for national peace, improved security and progress.
The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during celebrations, while cooperating with security agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period.
This announcement follows Nigeria’s annual tradition of formally declaring national holidays for major cultural and religious festivities.
