The Traffic NG

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

The declaration was announced in a statement issued 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 holidays are in line with the Federal Government’s tradition of recognising key religious and national celebrations, while giving Nigerians the opportunity to reflect, rest, and celebrate with family and loved ones.

Minister Tunji-Ojo urged Christians to reflect on the values associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, particularly love, peace, humility, and sacrifice. He noted that these virtues remain critical to fostering unity and harmony in Nigeria’s diverse society.

The minister also called on all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnic background, to use the festive period as a time to pray for the country, especially for improved peace, security, and national development.

He stressed that the season should go beyond celebration, encouraging citizens to recommit themselves to values that promote mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across communities.

While wishing Nigerians a joyful festive season, Tunji-Ojo reminded citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious during the holidays. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly given the increased movement and social activities that typically accompany the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The minister further urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a peaceful and incident-free holiday period across the country.

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He reassured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to safeguarding lives and property during the festive season and beyond.

Tunji-Ojo also extended the Federal Government’s goodwill to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, expressing hope that the coming year would usher in renewed optimism, stability, and economic progress for the nation.

The declaration of the holidays allows workers, families, and communities across the country to adequately prepare for the celebrations and participate fully in religious observances marking the end of the year.

The Federal Government concluded by wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, calling for collective efforts toward building a more peaceful and united nation in 2026.