The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The declaration was announced on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion and urged Nigerians to use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly the values of compassion, humility and service to humanity.
According to the minister, the annual Eid ul Mawlid celebration provides an opportunity for citizens to draw important lessons from the exemplary life of the Prophet and apply those values to contemporary national challenges.
“Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He added that these values were particularly important at a time when Nigeria needed greater understanding, tolerance and unity, urging every Nigerian, irrespective of religious affiliation, to reflect on and embrace them.
The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, national cohesion and progress, stressing that the responsibility for maintaining peace and strengthening national unity rests on all citizens.
He urged Muslims and other Nigerians who will participate in activities marking the celebration to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, while showing mutual respect, tolerance and consideration for people of different beliefs.
Tunji-Ojo further reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across the country.
The Federal Government wished Muslim faithful a joyous, peaceful and meaningful Eid ul Mawlid celebration.
With the declaration, Tuesday, August 25, will be observed as a nationwide public holiday, giving workers and members of the public the opportunity to mark the religious occasion.
Muslims across Nigeria are expected to commemorate the occasion through prayers, religious gatherings and reflections on the teachings, values and legacy of Prophet Muhammad.
The declaration is in line with the Federal Government’s practice of declaring public holidays for major religious observances.
