Public Holiday to Be Observed Next Week in Lagos, Kano, Other States
- Nigeria is preparing for its 65th National Day, observed annually in the most populous black nation on Earth
- Preparations are underway for one of the most important public holidays in the country's 111-year history
- Legit.ng has looked at the public holiday the Bola Tinubu-led government is set to declare in early October 2025
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.
FCT, Abuja - The federal government will declare a nationwide public holiday to be observed on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The holiday in Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and all other Nigerian states will commemorate the 2025 Independence Day.
Source: Twitter
Nigeria's Independence Day is celebrated annually on October 1, 1960, marking its proclamation of independence from British colonial rule.
The holiday is legally recognised under the Public Holidays Act 1979, which designates October 1 as the country's national day.
The country’s 65th National Day celebrations are set to feature a series of coordinated events across all states, with major public and private venues playing host to national-focused programmes.
Independence Day 2025: FG inaugurates committee
Already, the federal government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 2025 Independence Day celebration with a mandate to plan, organise, and execute all programmes marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary.
Speaking at the inauguration, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, underscored the importance of patriotism and collective responsibility in nation-building, saying:
“This anniversary is a reminder of where we are coming from and where we are going from here. As a nation, we have faced challenges in areas such as political, economic, and social issues, but we have overcome them."
October 1: FG to honour outstanding Nigerians
In the same vein, ahead of the 65th Independence Anniversary, the federal government has announced plans to honour 250 exceptional Nigerians who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and patriotism in their respective fields.
The initiative is part of a landmark project titled 'Nigeria Celebrates', which will culminate in the publication of a compendium showcasing top-performing Nigerians across the globe.
According to The Nation, the commemorative project is a collaboration between the SGF's office and OyanaHealth Limited, a Nigerian-based technology-focused platform.
Speaking in Abuja, Akume said:
“This initiative presents a timely opportunity to reflect, project and celebrate the values that define the Nigerian spirit."
Source: Facebook
How Independence Day is celebrated
On the Nigerian public holiday, the sitting President generally gives a national address, and state governments hold parades and cultural events.
Those abroad also organise celebrations in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), and Canada. International partners often issue messages of goodwill.
Civic groups in Nigeria have sometimes used the occasion to stage protests or highlight grievances.
Read more on public holidays in Nigeria:
- Nigerian govt declares Eid-el-Maolud public holiday
- Isese Day: List of states that have declared Monday public holiday
- Isese Day: Nigerian governor declares Monday public holiday
US Embassy in Nigeria to observe holidays
Legit.ng also reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria had announced the days its offices would be closed in 2025.
The dates include US and Nigerian public holidays, reflecting the embassy's commitment to honouring both countries.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
