The Federal Government has officially announced public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year festivities, designating Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as work-free days for Nigerians.
The declaration was made public on Monday through a statement issued by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, acting on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In the holiday announcement, Minister Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to use the Christmas season as an opportunity for spiritual reflection on the core values embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ, including love, peace, humility, and sacrifice.
The Interior Minister emphasized that the festive period should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, serving as a moment for national unity and collective prayer.
“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 stated.
He urged citizens, irrespective of their faith backgrounds, to dedicate time during the celebrations to pray for lasting peace, improved security conditions, and continued national progress across all sectors.
The Minister also appealed to Nigerians to actively support government initiatives aimed at fostering national development and social cohesion during these challenging times.
Addressing security concerns that typically accompany festive seasons marked by increased travel and public gatherings, Tunji-Ojo issued specific guidance to ensure public safety.
He enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding, maintain heightened security consciousness, and exercise moderation in their celebrations to prevent incidents that could mar the festive atmosphere.
The Interior Minister specifically called for cooperation with security agencies deployed across the country to maintain order and respond to potential threats during the holiday period.
His call for vigilance comes against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges in various parts of Nigeria, including kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities that have affected public confidence.
By urging moderation in celebrations, the government appears concerned about excessive gatherings or activities that could create security vulnerabilities or strain law enforcement resources during a period when many officers are themselves on reduced duty schedules.
The holiday declaration follows established tradition, with Christmas and New Year consistently recognized as statutory public holidays under Nigerian law, allowing workers across public and private sectors to observe the festivities with their families.
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, also enjoys official recognition as a public holiday in Nigeria, extending the Christmas break and providing additional time for family reunions, social visits, and religious activities.
The timing of the holidays—with Christmas falling on Thursday and New Year on another Thursday—effectively creates extended weekend breaks that many Nigerians will likely use for travel to their hometowns or vacation destinations.
Transportation companies, hospitality businesses, and retail establishments typically experience significant increases in activity during this period as Nigerians engage in holiday shopping, family visits, and leisure activities.
Religious organizations across the country are expected to hold special services, carol nights, and outreach programs as part of Christmas celebrations, while New Year observances will feature thanksgiving services and crossover night vigils.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Tunji-Ojo extended warm wishes to all Nigerians, expressing hope that the festive season would bring joy, renewed hope, and prosperity to households across the nation.
“He wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” the statement noted, capturing the government’s goodwill message to citizens as 2025 draws to a close.
As Nigerians prepare for the holiday season, many will be reflecting on the year’s challenges while looking forward with optimism to improved conditions in 2026.
The holiday period also provides opportunities for charitable giving, community service, and reaching out to less privileged members of society—activities that align with the Minister’s call for compassion and unity.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other law enforcement bodies, are expected to maintain visible presence in major cities, highways, and public spaces throughout the holiday period to ensure citizen safety.
