The Federal Government has declared December 25, 26 and January 1, 2026, as public holidays.

Announcing this on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, said the holidays are to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year celebrations respectively.

Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

The minister also urged citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive period to pray for peace, security and national progress.

According to him, Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

See the full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT

FG DECLARES DECEMBER 25, 26, 2025 AND JANUARY 1, 2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO MARK CHRISTMAS, BOXING DAY AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 25th December 2025; Friday, 26th December 2025; and Thursday, 1st January 2026 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm Christmas and New Year felicitations to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, as well as to all Nigerians as they celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Christians to reflect on the virtues of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice as exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, noting that these values are critical to promoting unity, tolerance, and harmony in the nation.

The Minister further called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation, to use the festive season to pray for the peace, security, and continued progress of the country, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts towards national development and cohesion.

“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,” the Minister stated.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding, security conscious, and moderate in their celebrations, while cooperating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe festive period.

The Minister wishes all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

SIGNED

Dr. Magdalene Ajani

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Interior

December 22, 2025. (Channels)

Update news