The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 25 August 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul-Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The holiday will allow Muslims across Nigeria to observe the occasion, which is traditionally marked with prayers, religious gatherings and reflections on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Mr Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the diaspora, urging Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the values associated with the Prophet’s life, particularly compassion, humility, peace and service to humanity.
“Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others,” the minister said, according to the statement.
The Federal Government also called on Nigerians to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of drawing positive lessons from the occasion.
The declaration comes as Muslims prepare to mark Eid ul-Mawlid, one of the significant occasions on the Islamic calendar commemorating the birth of the Prophet.
Tuesday’s declaration means public offices and institutions affected by the federal holiday will observe a work-free day on 25 August.
