The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday nationwide to commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the declaration is part of the Federal Government’s recognition of the significance of Eid-ul-Mawlid to Muslim faithful across Nigeria.
The government congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and around the world on the occasion and urged citizens to use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the values of peace, compassion, humility, tolerance and unity.
The minister also called on Nigerians to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, regardless of religious, ethnic or political differences.
He urged Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and use the occasion to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, national unity and peaceful coexistence.
TUESDAY DECLARED A NATIONWIDE HOLIDAY
With the Federal Government’s announcement, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across Nigeria.
The declaration applies nationwide and allows workers and citizens to observe the religious occasion.
The announcement comes amid preparations by Muslim communities across the country for this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid celebrations.
WHAT IS EID-UL-MAWLID?
Eid-ul-Mawlid, also known as Mawlid an-Nabi, is observed by many Muslims to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The occasion is traditionally marked by prayers, religious gatherings, lectures, recitation and reflections on the Prophet’s teachings and life.
In Nigeria, the celebration is observed by Muslim communities in different parts of the country, with religious leaders often using the occasion to preach peace, tolerance, charity and peaceful coexistence.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS
The Federal Government has consistently urged Nigerians to promote unity and peaceful coexistence during religious celebrations.
The Interior Minister encouraged citizens to reflect on the importance of compassion, service to humanity and peaceful living, particularly at a time when the country continues to work toward greater national development and unity.
He also extended his best wishes to Muslim faithful for a peaceful and meaningful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.