Breaking: Federal Govt Declares Nationwide Public Holiday
- The federal government has announced a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary
- Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, announced the holiday on behalf of the federal government on Monday, September 29
- In a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary in the ministry, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians on the “historic milestone”
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - The federal government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025 as public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.
As reported by Vanguard on Monday, September 29, minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Bola Tinubu administration, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on the historic occasion.

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Arise News also noted the development.
Nigerian govt declares public holiday
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the milestone, urging them to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.
He also called on citizens to maintain confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a framework for national rebirth, economic transformation, and shared prosperity.
Expressing optimism about the nation’s future, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria would continue to advance in peace, progress, and development with the collective support of its people.
The minister, on behalf of the federal government, wished Nigerians a joyful and memorable Independence Day celebration.'
About Nigeria's Independence Day
Independence Day is an annual public holiday in Nigeria observed on October 1 to mark the country's independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1960. It is observed nationwide with official ceremonies, military parades, cultural displays, and public events.
Since independence, the day has remained an important date in Nigeria's civic calendar. The president gives a national address, and state governments hold parades and cultural events. Nigerians abroad also organise celebrations in cities such as New York City, London, and Toronto. International partners often issue messages of goodwill. The holiday is legally recognised under the Public Holidays Act 1979, which designates 1 October as Nigeria's national day.

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Already, 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.
Read more on public holidays in Nigeria:
- 'Anticipate': List of public holidays in Nigeria in June 2025
- Full list of public holidays in Nigeria that are observed on the same day with US
- List of public holidays and other days of observance in Nigeria for April 2025
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.

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The dates include US and Nigerian public holidays, reflecting the embassy's commitment to honouring both countries.
Source: Legit.ng