Nigeria has 13 federal public holidays in 2026. The fixed ones are New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Workers’ Day (1 May), Democracy Day (12 Jun), Independence Day (1 Oct), Christmas Day (25 Dec), and Boxing Day (26 Dec). Christian holidays this year: Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter Monday (6 Apr). Islamic holidays (moon-sighting dependent): Eid al-Fitr (19–20 Mar), Eid al-Adha (around 27–28 May), and Eid el-Maulud (around 25 Aug). Banks and government offices close on these days.
What is a public holiday?
A public holiday is a day declared by law as a non-working day. In Nigeria, public holidays are gazetted under the Public Holidays Act and any extra ones are declared by the Federal Ministry of Interior, usually a few days before the date.
Also See: Bank holidays in Nigeria
Public holidays in Nigeria — 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 19 March | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr* |
| 20 March | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (2nd day)* |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Friday | Workers’ Day |
| 27 May | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha* |
| 28 May | Thursday | Eid al-Adha (2nd day)* |
| 12 June | Friday | Democracy Day |
| 25 August | Tuesday | Eid el-Maulud* |
| 1 October | Thursday | National Independence Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day |
*Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and may shift by 1–2 days depending on moon sighting. The Federal Government declared 19–20 March 2026 for Eid al-Fitr.
Long weekends in 2026
- Easter — Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter Monday (6 Apr) make a four-day weekend.
- Workers’ Day — Falls on Friday 1 May, so a three-day weekend.
- Democracy Day — Friday 12 June; another three-day weekend.
- Independence Day — Thursday 1 October; bridge Friday for a four-day break.
- Christmas — 25 Dec (Friday) and 26 Dec (Saturday); a long weekend rolling into the new year.
How public holidays work in Nigeria
- Banks, courts, federal/state offices, and most schools close.
- Private businesses and hospitals stay open at the owner’s discretion.
- If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, no substitute day is given. The weekend date stands.
- For Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Eid el-Maulud, the Sultan of Sokoto’s moon-sighting committee announces the actual date 1–2 days before. The Ministry of Interior then issues a press release.
State-specific holidays
Some states observe extra holidays not on the federal list — for example, Isese Day in Osun (20 August), or local emirate festivals. Check your state government website for the full local calendar.
FAQs
How many public holidays does Nigeria have in 2026?
13 federal public holidays across the year.
Do banks open on public holidays?
No. All commercial banks observe federal public holidays. ATMs, mobile apps, and USSD codes still work.
Why do Eid dates change every year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar — about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. So Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Eid el-Maulud move backwards by about 11 days each Western year.
Is Workers’ Day a Christian or Muslim holiday?
Neither. It is a secular holiday celebrated worldwide on 1 May to honour workers and labour movements. In Nigeria it is a federal public holiday under the Public Holidays Act.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
In Nigeria, no substitute day is added. The Saturday or Sunday stands as the holiday and the next working day is normal.
Who declares public holidays in Nigeria?
The Federal Ministry of Interior, on behalf of the President. Permanent holidays are listed in the Public Holidays Act; one-off holidays (e.g. election day) are declared via press release.
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