Breaking: Jubilation as Nigeria Announces 2025 Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year Public Holidays
- The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made a joyful announcement to Nigerians regarding the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year holidays
- Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, have been declared as public holidays
- The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Monday morning, December 22, 2025
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - The federal government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.
As reported by NTA News on Monday, December 22, a statement by the permanent secretary, ministry of interior, Magdalene Ajani, indicated that the declaration was made on behalf of the federal government by the minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Source: Twitter
Fresh public holidays in Nigeria
Per The Punch, Tunji-Ojo called for reflection on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
He also urged Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, security, and national progress.
Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
What makes public holidays special to Nigerians
Spiritual connection and celebration
Religious holidays, in particular, carry deep spiritual meaning and community connection. Traditionalists look forward to Isese Day to rejuvenate their Yoruba cultural and spiritual heritage.
Christians embrace Christmas and Easter for the religious services and family time. Muslims admire the two Eids for the sense of peace it purportedly brings. Even secular holidays like Workers’ Day or Democracy Day are viewed as moments of national reflection and an excuse for a day off.
Quality time with loved ones
Public holidays also give people the perfect excuse to spend time with family and friends. Nigeria is one place where community and extended family ties are strong, and any opportunity to gather, cook, gist, or go on outings is fully embraced.
This is why, for public holidays with long weekends, you find people travelling home to spend time with their family. Others would plan hangouts just to bond and catch up.
Source: Twitter
Break from the daily hustle
Public holidays offer a much-needed break from the daily hustle. Nigerian workers are used to working long hours, and for most people, they juggle multiple jobs or side hustles just to make ends meet.
For both white-collar workers and those in the informal sector, public holidays offer a rare chance to pause, sleep in, and breathe. No traffic stress, no 5 a.m. alarms, just a day or two to rest.
Also, public holidays provide a sense of relief, especially in a country where things can often feel chaotic with people battling economic stress and political drama. Even if only for 24 hours, public holidays are a chance to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
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.
Source: Legit.ng
