The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.
The government also announced Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday for the New Year celebration.
This was made known 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, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the minister called on Nigerians to use the Christmas season to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo also urged citizens, regardless of religion or ethnic background, to take advantage of the festive period to pray for peace, improved security, and national development.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations.
“The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 25th December 2025; Friday, 26th December 2025; and Thursday, 1st January 2026 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations respectively,” the statement said.
It added that the minister extended warm greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, as well as to all Nigerians celebrating the end of the year and the start of a new one.
“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 statement said.
The minister also wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
