The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26, 2025, as well as Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays across Nigeria to mark Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to reflect on the lessons of the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting values such as love, peace, humility, and sacrifice. He noted that these virtues remain vital for fostering unity, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence in the country.

The minister also called on all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, to use the festive season to pray for peace, security, and sustained national progress. According to him, the period offers an opportunity for calm reflection, shared goodwill, and renewed commitment to national unity, especially in challenging times.

He advised citizens to celebrate responsibly, remain law-abiding, and stay security-conscious throughout the holidays, while cooperating fully with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive season.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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Full Press Statement

FG DECLARES DECEMBER 25, 26, 2025 AND JANUARY 1, 2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 25 December 2025; Friday, 26 December 2025; and Thursday, 1 January 2026 as public holidays to commemorate Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. He extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as to all Nigerians marking the end of one year and the beginning of another.

The minister encouraged Christians to reflect on the values exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ—love, peace, humility, and sacrifice—stating that these virtues promote unity, tolerance, and harmony in the nation.

He further urged Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, security, and the continuous growth of the country, while supporting efforts aimed at national development and togetherness.

According to him, the Christmas and New Year celebrations provide an opportunity for citizens to strengthen bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew their collective responsibility toward nation-building, even in difficult times.

Citizens were advised to remain law-abiding, calm, and security-conscious in their celebrations, and to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful holiday period nationwide.

The minister wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Signed:
Dr. Magdalene Ajani
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Interior
December 22, 2025