The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlud, the annual celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The announcement was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
While congratulating Muslims in Nigeria and the diaspora, the government urged faithful to reflect on the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance and compassion.
It also called on Nigerians across religious divides to use the occasion to pray for peace, security and stability in the country.
“The Minister of Interior wishes Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration. The celebration offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” the statement read.
The government further appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding and security-conscious, while supporting policies aimed at fostering national unity and sustainable development.
Eid-ul-Mawlid, observed in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, is traditionally marked with prayers, lectures, processions and acts of charity.
In Nigeria, the holiday is officially recognised nationwide, reflecting the country’s large Muslim population and long-standing tradition of observing major Islamic festivals.