The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays ahead of the November 1 local government elections.

The governor made this known on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Information Officer, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Tanko Lawal, in which he said the SSG, Abubakar Usman, issued the directive.

The SSG said the work-free days would provide voters the opportunity to go to their respective polling units and cast their votes.

The government said markets, banks, financial institutions, and public offices would remain closed, while movement of persons and vehicles would be restricted, except for those on essential duties.

“Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has declared Thursday, 30th, and Friday, 31st October, 2025, as state-wide work-free days to enable citizens across the state to fully participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections on Saturday, 1st November, 2025.

“A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, stated that the work-free days are intended to provide all eligible voters the opportunity to go to their respective polling units and cast their votes in the elections.

“The SSG further announced that markets, banks, financial institutions, and public offices will remain closed, while movement of persons and vehicles will be restricted, except for those on essential duties,” Lawal stated.

He quoted the SSG as saying that the government was encouraging residents to come out en masse and perform their civic responsibilities on Saturday.

“Government is encouraging citizens to come out en masse and perform their civic responsibilities on Saturday, 1st November, 2025.

“This election provides yet another opportunity for Nigerlites to elect capable leaders who will champion development and represent our collective interests at the grassroots level.

“Bago has directed all security agencies in the State to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, reaffirming the government’s commitment to guaranteeing a safe and hitch-free electoral process,” Usman said. (The PUNCH)