FG Declares August 25 Public Holiday for Eid ul Mawlid

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

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

The minister congratulated Muslim faithful across Nigeria and in the diaspora, urging them to use the occasion to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Tunji-Ojo identified compassion, humility and service to humanity as key lessons from the Prophet’s life, stressing that such values were particularly important at a time when Nigeria needed greater unity and peaceful coexistence.

“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 encouraged Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to reflect on these values and apply them in their daily lives.

According to him, the qualities of compassion, humility and service are essential to building a more peaceful and united nation.

Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the celebration to offer collective prayers for peace, stability and national cohesion.

He urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, with tolerance and mutual respect, while assuring that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the country.

Eid ul Mawlid is an annual Islamic observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is marked by Muslim communities around the world through prayers, religious gatherings, sermons and reflections on his teachings.

The August 25 declaration will give workers across the country a work-free day to observe the religious celebration.

The Federal Government routinely declares public holidays for major religious celebrations, including Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Christmas and Easter.

The government consequently urged Nigerians to use the Eid ul Mawlid celebration to strengthen bonds of unity, promote peaceful coexistence and contribute to the stability of the country.