The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s 1447 Hijri Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The statement was issued this afternoon by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The government congratulated Muslims faithful across the country and in the diaspora on the occasion, urging them to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion to move the country forward.
The statement also enjoined Nigerians of all faiths to use the celebration to pray for peace, security, and stability of the country, while supporting government’s efforts to strengthen national unity and foster development.
Accordingly, “The Minister of Interior wishes Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.
“The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid 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 added.
The government is using this medium to call on all citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious of their environment while supporting its policies aimed at promoting national unity and sustainable development.
Eid-ul-Mawlid, is observed in the third month of the Islamic Hijri calendar (Rabi’ al-Awwal), to commemorates the birth of the Prophet of Islamic faith, Muhammad. It is marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and acts of charity.
In Nigeria, the day is recognized as a national public holiday, reflecting the interest of the country’s large Muslim population and long-standing tradition of observing major Islamic festivals.
The holiday is often used by religious leaders and government officials to call for peace and unity, particularly at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with security and economic challenges.