Nigeria declares two-day public holiday for Eid al-Fitr celebration

The federal government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, announced the holidays in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The minister congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to uphold the values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance and sacrifice imbibed during the period.

He called on Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for the country’s peace, unity and prosperity.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement reads.

“While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.”

Tunji-Ojo encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged.

The minister added that the federal government remains committed to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.