The Federal Government has announced that Friday, September 5, will be observed as a public holiday in commemoration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the annual celebration marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The declaration was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In the statement, Dr. Ajani extended warm greetings to Muslims within Nigeria and abroad, urging them to reflect on and emulate the Prophet’s exemplary values of peace, humility, love, tolerance, and compassion. She also appealed to Nigerians of all faiths to use the season as an opportunity to pray for peace, security, and stability across the nation, while lending support to government initiatives aimed at building unity and driving national development.
According to the minister, “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.” He further wished Muslims across the country a joyful and peaceful celebration.
The Interior Minister also called on citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of government policies that are designed to encourage national cohesion and sustainable growth.
Eid-ul-Mawlid, observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar known as Rabi’ al-Awwal, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Muslims as it commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Traditionally, the day is marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and acts of charity. In Nigeria, the festival is recognised as a national holiday, underscoring the nation’s sizable Muslim population and its long-standing tradition of celebrating major Islamic occasions.
See the full statement below:
FG DECLARES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025, PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK EID-UL-MAWLID
The Federal Government has declared Friday, 5th September 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate the celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm felicitations to Muslims Umah in Nigeria and across the world on this occasion
Dr. Tunji-Ojo enjoined the Muslim faithful to reflect on the virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stressing that these values remain essential in building a united, prosperous, and progressive nation.
He further called on Nigerians, regardless of their religious beliefs, to use the occasion to pray for the peace, security, and stability of the country, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in fostering national harmony and sustainable development.
“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 Minister stated.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at ensuring the collective well-being of all Nigerians.
The Minister wishes all Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.
SIGNED
Dr. Magdalene Ajani,
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Interior.
September 3, 2025.
What You Should Know
Eid-ul-Mawlid, celebrated in Rabi’ al-Awwal, marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is observed globally with prayers, processions, and charitable deeds.
In Nigeria, it is a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s large Muslim community.
This year, the Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, a holiday, with the Interior Minister encouraging Nigerians to embrace the Prophet’s virtues while supporting national peace and unity.
