The Federal Government has announced a series of public holidays to mark the 2025 Christmas season and the New Year celebrations.
In a statement released on Monday, the government declared Thursday, December 25, 2025, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026 as public holidays in observance of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day respectively.
The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
The minister conveyed warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, while extending goodwill messages to all Nigerians as the year draws to a close and a new one begins.
According to the statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister urged Christians to embrace and reflect on the core values symbolised by the birth of Jesus Christ, love, peace, humility, and sacrifice, noting that these virtues are essential to fostering national unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further appealed to Nigerians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to take advantage of the festive season to pray for the peace, security, and sustained development of the country, while lending their support to the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national cohesion and progress.
“The Christmas season and the New Year offer Nigerians an opportunity to deepen the bonds of unity, demonstrate compassion towards one another, and renew our collective resolve to build a stronger nation,” the minister said.
He also advised citizens to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the festivities, urging them to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and moderate in their celebrations.
The minister emphasised the importance of cooperating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and incident-free holiday period nationwide.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo concluded by wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year.
