Breaking: FG Declares Public Holiday for Mawlid al-Nabi

Breaking: FG Declares Public Holiday for Mawlid al-Nabi

  • The federal government has announced a public holiday for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to mark Eid ul Mawlid
  • Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora
  • Tunji-Ojo called on all Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility, and service tied to the celebration

Nigeria will observe a public holiday on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the federal government marks this year's Eid ul Mawlid, the occasion commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, and was formalised in a document e-signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on August 21, 2026.

The federal government has declared Tuesday, August 25, as a public holiday for the celebration of the Mawlid al-Nabi 2026.
FG declares Tuesday, August 25, a public holiday for Mawlid al-Nabi Photo Credit: @BTOofficial
Source: Twitter

Eid ul Mawlid: Tunji-Ojo's message to Nigerians

The minister used the announcement to extend warm greetings to Muslims both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, while also directing his message at the broader Nigerian public.

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"Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others. These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them."

He also called on citizens to use the period as an opportunity for collective prayer, describing national unity and peace as a shared responsibility that belongs to all Nigerians regardless of faith.

Eid ul Mawlid: Restraint and respect urged during celebrations

Tunji-Ojo urged members of the Muslim community to observe the festivities with restraint and mutual respect, while wishing them a joyous and peaceful Eid. He also reaffirmed the current administration's commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, saying the government would continue to ensure peace is maintained at all times.

See the full statement on X here:

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Lagos declares public holiday

Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Wednesday, August 20, as a work-free day in Lagos State in celebration of the 2025 Isese Day.

The Lagos government explained that the holiday was part of the governor's commitment to upholding the cultural values and heritage of the indigenous people.

According to a circular, the governor urged account officers in every government office to ensure the widespread circulation that work will resume at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 21.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
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Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with over 5 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023) by Legit.ng. Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng