The Federal Government has declared Friday, February 22 as work-free day preparatory for presidential/National Assembly elections on Saturday, February 23.
The Ministry of Interior in a statement, Wednesday, however, excluded bankers and those offering essential services across the nation.
“The work-free day is to enable citizens to return to their poling units for the re-scheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure safety of lives and property before, during and after the general election.”
Some states and businesses across the federation had initially declared holiday for members of staff on February 15, in anticipation of the February 16 elections.
Major banks across the country issued statements of early closure on Friday, February 15 — closing their outlets earlier than usual.
The elections were, howver, postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had claimed logistical and operational reasons for the delayed poll.