The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The declaration was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion and urged citizens to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The minister highlighted compassion, humility and service to humanity as values that remain relevant to Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country continues to seek greater peace, unity and social cohesion.
“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,” he said.
He also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and national cohesion, stressing that building a peaceful and united country requires the collective responsibility of citizens.
The minister urged Muslims and other Nigerians participating in the celebration to observe the holiday peacefully and responsibly, while demonstrating mutual respect regardless of religious or other differences.
Tunji-Ojo wished the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid ul Mawlid and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
Eid ul Mawlid is an annual Islamic observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The occasion is marked by Muslims in Nigeria and many other parts of the world through religious gatherings, prayers, lectures and reflections on the Prophet’s teachings and examples.
In Nigeria, the Federal Government traditionally announces public holidays for major religious celebrations, including Eid ul Mawlid, Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir. The declaration allows workers and members of the public to observe the religious occasion and participate in related activities.
The August 25 holiday will therefore provide Muslim faithful across the country an opportunity to observe this year’s Eid ul Mawlid while also encouraging reflection on values such as compassion, peaceful coexistence, service and respect for others.
For the wider Nigerian society, the Federal Government’s message places emphasis on using the occasion not only as a religious celebration but also as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and peaceful relations among citizens.
Government offices and other institutions covered by the public holiday arrangement are expected to observe Tuesday, August 25, as a work-free day.
