The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the declaration reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of Eid-ul-Adha to Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.
“The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha,” the statement read in part.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim faithful at home and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival that symbolises sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for humanity.
He urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, security and national prosperity.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement added.
The government also wished Muslims a peaceful and joyous celebration while calling on citizens to embrace unity, brotherhood and mutual understanding.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant religious celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, travellers have begun moving across several parts of the country, including Lagos, ahead of the holiday period.
As part of measures to ensure safer roads during the festivities, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara State Sector Command, said it had deployed 950 personnel, including officers, marshals, special marshals and first responders, across the state.
The command added that 16 patrol vehicles, four ambulances and a 70-tonne tow truck had been positioned to support traffic management and emergency response operations during the celebrations.
Motorists were advised to obey traffic regulations, with the FRSC warning against speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, tyre violations, lane indiscipline and failure to use seatbelts.
