The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25; Friday, December 26; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to commemorate Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year festivities.
The declaration was conveyed on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement.
In the message, the minister extended seasonal greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, as well as to other Nigerians, urging them to draw lessons from the virtues of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo said the values were essential to fostering national unity, tolerance and harmony, calling on citizens to take advantage of the festive season to pray for peace, security and sustained national development, while supporting government efforts aimed at cohesion and growth.
He also appealed to Nigerians to conduct themselves responsibly during the celebrations by remaining law-abiding, security-conscious and moderate, and to work with security agencies to ensure a peaceful holiday period.
“The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building,” he said.
