The Nigerian Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as well as Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.
The declaration was made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement issued on Monday by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
Tunji-Ojo extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, as well as to all Nigerians, as the country prepares to round off the year and usher in 2026.
He urged Christians to reflect on the core values associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, including love, peace, humility and sacrifice, stressing that such virtues remain vital to fostering unity, tolerance and harmonious coexistence in the country.
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The minister also called on Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic background, to take advantage of the festive period to pray for peace, security and sustained national progress, while lending support to the Federal Government’s efforts aimed at strengthening unity and development.
According to him, the Christmas and New Year season provides an important opportunity for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to nation-building and to show compassion and goodwill to one another.
“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,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He further enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious during the festivities, urging moderation in celebrations and cooperation with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe holiday period across the country.
The minister wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
