NG Declares August 25 Public Holiday for Eid ul Mawlid

By Cynthia Okere, Lagos

The Nigerian Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and those in the diaspora on the occasion and urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service to others associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“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.

He said the values were particularly important to Nigeria and encouraged citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to reflect on them.

The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and national cohesion, stressing that maintaining the country’s unity remains a collective responsibility.

Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to celebrate the festival peacefully, with restraint and mutual respect, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid ul Mawlid.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the country.