Nigeria, a diverse and culturally rich nation, observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s religious, historical, and cultural heritage, offering moments for celebration, reflection, and unity. From the joyous festivities of New Year’s Day and Christmas to the solemn observances of Good Friday and the Eid celebrations, each holiday holds unique significance. Understanding these holidays provides insight into the traditions and values that shape Nigerian society.
Join us as we explore the meaning and importance of each public holiday in Nigeria for the year 2025.
Public Holidays in Nigeria In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in nigeria in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Democracy Day | Jun 12, 2025 | Thursday |
| Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |
| National Day | Oct 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know more: Public Holidays in Niger In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year. In Nigeria, it is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration. People look back on the past year and make resolutions for the year ahead. Families and friends gather for festive meals, and many attend church services to pray for blessings in the new year. It is a public holiday, so most businesses and schools are closed, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities. Fireworks, parties, and various cultural events are common as Nigerians embrace the promise of a fresh start.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims in Nigeria at the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a time of joy and gratitude, marking the end of a period of spiritual reflection and self-discipline. On Eid al-Fitr, families gather for special prayers at mosques, followed by festive meals and the giving of gifts. It is also customary to give to charity, ensuring that even the less fortunate can join in the celebrations. The day emphasizes community, family, and the importance of gratitude and sharing.
Eid al-Fitr Holiday
The Eid al-Fitr Holiday extends the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, allowing more time for families to come together and rejoice. It is a continuation of the festive atmosphere, with extended gatherings, more meals, and additional opportunities for prayer and reflection. This extended holiday helps accommodate the various cultural practices across Nigeria, ensuring that everyone has the chance to fully participate in the festivities. It underscores the importance of family, community, and the shared joy of concluding Ramadan.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Nigeria, it is observed with solemnity and reflection. Christians attend church services, where they listen to sermons about the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. It is a day of mourning and penance, often marked by fasting and prayer. The holiday sets the stage for Easter, highlighting the themes of sacrifice and redemption. Good Friday is a public holiday in Nigeria, allowing believers to focus on their faith and the significance of Jesus’s sacrifice.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, extending the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Nigeria, it is a day of joy and relaxation, often spent with family and friends. Many people attend church services and then enjoy picnics, outings, and various recreational activities. It is a public holiday, so schools and businesses are closed, allowing everyone to participate. Easter Monday serves as a continuation of the joyful celebration of Easter, emphasizing renewal, hope, and community.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors the contributions and achievements of workers in Nigeria. It is a day to recognize the importance of labor rights and the efforts of workers across various sectors. The holiday often includes parades, rallies, and speeches by labor leaders and government officials. It is a public holiday, giving workers a day off to rest and reflect on their contributions to society. Labour Day emphasizes the value of hard work, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights and better working conditions.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday in Nigeria. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims observe this day by performing special prayers at mosques and then sacrificing animals, such as goats or sheep. The meat is shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate, symbolizing generosity and community. It is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude, emphasizing faith, sacrifice, and the importance of helping others.
Eid al-Adha Holiday
The Eid al-Adha Holiday extends the celebration of Eid al-Adha, allowing for more time to engage in festive activities and religious observances. It is a continuation of the joyous atmosphere, with more family gatherings, feasts, and acts of charity. The extended holiday ensures that everyone can fully participate in the traditions and rituals, emphasizing the importance of community, faith, and shared celebration. It highlights the values of sacrifice, generosity, and the unity of the Muslim community in Nigeria.
Democracy Day
Democracy Day, celebrated on June 12th, commemorates the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. It marks the anniversary of the annulled 1993 presidential election, which is widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s history. The day honors the struggle for democratic governance and the sacrifices made by those who fought for political freedom. It is a public holiday, featuring speeches, parades, and various events celebrating democratic values. Democracy Day emphasizes the importance of political participation, freedom, and the ongoing journey towards a more democratic society.
Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Maulud or Mawlid al-Nabi, is the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. In Nigeria, it is a significant religious holiday for Muslims, marked by prayers, sermons, and various cultural events. Many attend special gatherings at mosques and Islamic centers to hear stories about the life and teachings of the Prophet. It is a time of reflection, learning, and spiritual renewal. The holiday emphasizes the importance of faith, the Prophet’s legacy, and the values of compassion, justice, and humility that he embodied.
National Day
National Day, celebrated on October 1st, marks Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960. It is a day of national pride and celebration, commemorating Nigeria’s journey towards sovereignty and self-governance. The holiday features parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. It is a time for Nigerians to reflect on their history, celebrate their cultural heritage, and envision a brighter future. National Day emphasizes the values of freedom, unity, and the ongoing effort to build a prosperous and inclusive nation.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is a major Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. In Nigeria, it is a time of joy, family gatherings, and religious observance. Christians attend church services, where they sing carols and hear sermons about the significance of Jesus’s birth. The day is also marked by festive meals, the exchange of gifts, and various cultural activities. Christmas Day emphasizes themes of love, hope, and generosity, bringing people together in celebration and reflection.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is the day after Christmas. In Nigeria, it is a public holiday marked by relaxation, family time, and charitable activities. The holiday has its roots in the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate, and many people use this day to donate to charities or help those in need. It is also a time to continue the festive celebrations of Christmas, with extended gatherings, meals, and leisure activities. Boxing Day emphasizes the importance of generosity, kindness, and community spirit.