The Federal Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The declaration was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Friday through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani. The holiday will be observed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and in the diaspora, urging them to use the Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The minister called on Nigerians to embrace compassion, humility, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity, stressing that the country needs greater unity and understanding among its people.
He also urged citizens to remain law-abiding and use the occasion to promote peace, national unity and mutual respect across religious and ethnic lines.
Eid-ul-Mawlid is observed by Muslims to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is traditionally marked with prayers, lectures and other religious activities.
The Federal Government said the public holiday offers Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful, an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings and apply values of love, tolerance and selfless service in their daily lives.