The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, the Islamic celebration commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Friday, August 21.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government and extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
Tunji-Ojo said Eid ul Mawlid provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad, particularly compassion, humility and service to others.
“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, regardless of religious affiliation, to reflect on these values, noting that they remain important at a time when greater unity and peaceful coexistence are needed across the country.
“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.
The minister also urged Nigerians to use the celebration as an opportunity to offer collective prayers for peace and cohesion across the country, stressing that national unity is a shared responsibility.
Tunji-Ojo called on citizens to celebrate with restraint and mutual respect while wishing Muslim faithful a joyous and peaceful Eid ul Mawlid.
Nigeria’s multi-religious population means major Islamic and Christian celebrations are traditionally recognised by the Federal Government as public holidays, reflecting the country’s religious diversity and commitment to inclusiveness.
Earlier in May, the Federal Government declared public holidays for the 2026 Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir, which was observed by Muslims across the country.
Eid-ul-Adha is one of the major festivals in Islam and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The celebration is marked by prayers, charity and the symbolic sacrifice of animals, particularly rams.
The government also declares public holidays for other major religious celebrations, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Christmas and Easter.
Mawlid, also known as Eid ul Mawlid, is an annual Islamic observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It is traditionally observed on either the 12th or 17th day of Rabi I, the third month of the Islamic calendar, depending on the Islamic tradition followed.
The celebration is marked in different ways across Muslim communities, with religious gatherings, prayers, sermons and recitations of poetry praising Prophet Muhammad among common practices. Some communities also observe the occasion through fasting, dhikr, or remembrance of God, and communal meals.
In Nigeria, Muslim communities across the country observe Eid ul Mawlid through prayers, sermons and other religious activities centred on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The August 25 public holiday will provide Muslim faithful across Nigeria with a work-free day to observe this year’s Eid ul Mawlid celebration.
