FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DECLARES TUESDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK EID-UL-MAWLID

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

The Minister, while congratulating Muslims across Nigeria and in the diaspora on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, urged citizens to use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the virtues and exemplary life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Tunji-Ojo said the annual commemoration provides an important opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility, sacrifice, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity, which he noted remain essential to the progress and development of the nation.

“Every Eid-ul-Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others.

“These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,” the Minister said.

The Minister also called on Nigerians to make the occasion a period of collective prayers for peace, stability and national cohesion.

According to him, the responsibility of building and sustaining a peaceful and united Nigeria rests on all citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political differences.

He urged Muslims celebrating the occasion to observe the festivities with moderation, mutual respect and a spirit of brotherhood, while encouraging all Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence and understanding in their communities.

Tunji-Ojo further called on citizens to embrace the values of tolerance, kindness and respect for one another, stressing that these virtues are critical to strengthening the bonds of unity and advancing national development.

He extended his warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah, wishing them a joyous, peaceful and spiritually rewarding Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to protecting lives and property and creating an environment conducive to peace, security and sustainable development across the country.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to work with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the celebration is conducted peacefully and that Nigerians are able to observe the holiday without fear.

The Ministry of Interior consequently urged members of the public to celebrate responsibly, obey the law and cooperate with security and emergency agencies throughout the period.

The Federal Government expressed hope that the lessons of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would inspire Nigerians to demonstrate greater compassion, peaceful coexistence, patriotism and commitment to the collective good.

Signed:
Dr Magdalene Ajani
Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Interior