Several state governments across Nigeria have declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448AH, urging residents to use the occasion for prayers, reflection, and renewed commitment to peace and national development.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde declared the day a work-free holiday and congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the new Islamic year. In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor encouraged Muslims to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in both Oyo State and Nigeria.
Makinde also urged residents to remain security-conscious during the celebrations and report suspicious activities to security agencies via the state’s emergency number, 615.
The Oyo State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, further described the Hijrah as a period of reflection, prayer, and community solidarity, noting its historical significance as the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD.
“The Hijrah is a time for reflection, prayer and community spirit. Let us come together on this day to pray for peace, unity and prosperity in our state and our nation,” Oyelade said.
In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf also approved a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year. A circular issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service said the holiday was in recognition of Kano’s longstanding tradition of observing the Hijrah and the importance of the Islamic calendar.
The state government urged civil servants and residents to use the occasion for sober reflection and prayers for peace, stability, and prosperity.
Similarly, the Kwara State Government declared Tuesday a public holiday in commemoration of the 1448AH Hijrah New Year. In a statement by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged Muslims to reflect on the values of tolerance, sacrifice, and shared humanity associated with the Hijrah.
The governor also prayed for peace, progress, and divine blessings for the state and the country.
In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda declared Tuesday a work-free day to mark the first day of Muharram 1448AH, encouraging residents to pray for the growth, peace, and prosperity of the state and Nigeria.
The Kebbi State Government also announced a one-day public holiday to allow residents and civil servants to observe the Islamic New Year. A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Hajiya Hafsat Ibrahim Tune, said Governor Nasir Idris approved the holiday and urged reflection on the values of sacrifice, tolerance, and devotion.
Government offices in Kebbi are expected to resume normal activities on Wednesday, June 17.
In Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni approved a public holiday through a circular signed by the Head of Service, Abdullahi Shehu, allowing workers and residents to mark the beginning of the Islamic calendar year.
The government encouraged citizens to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity, while extending New Year wishes to the Muslim community.
The Hijrah, which marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD, signals the start of the Islamic lunar calendar observed by Muslims worldwide and remains a significant moment of reflection and renewal across the Muslim community.
