The Federal Government has declared Friday, 22 February 2019 as a work-free day to allow Nigerians to prepare for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, slated for Saturday, 23 February 2019.

The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau disclosed this in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Barr Georgina Ehuriah on Wednesday night.

“Federal Government declares Friday 22, February 2019 as work-free day. Those providing essential duties and bankers are excluded.

“The work-free day is to enable citizens to return to their poling units for the reschedule Presidential & National Assembly elections.

“Security agencies have been directed to ensure safety of lives & property before, during & after the general election,” the statement read in part.