FG Declares Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations. It also announced Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday for the New Year.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security, and national progress.

Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious throughout the celebrations. He extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, wishing them a joyful festive season.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm Christmas and New Year felicitations to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, as well as to all Nigerians as they celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

The statement added that the Federal Government’s declaration of Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays was to enable Nigerians properly mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.

It further noted that the Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, demonstrate compassion towards one another and renew their collective commitment to nation building. The minister wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.