Reporting by Channels TV indicates that the Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr festivities. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government, following the expected sighting of the Shawwal crescent. The Minister congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged Nigerians to use the period to pray for national peace and unity.
While the holidays have been set, the formal end of Ramadan is dependent on the moon sighting. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has already directed Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon. The government emphasized that the virtues of love, tolerance, and sacrifice practiced during the holy month should be sustained by all citizens to ensure a stable social fabric.
This declaration was also covered by Daily Post, which stated that the “Interior Minister made the declaration through the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani,” while The Nation confirmed the dates, adding that “security agencies have been placed on alert to ensure a hitch-free celebration across the country.”
Echotitbits take: These holidays provide a much-needed break for the workforce, but the timing is crucial as it coincides with the President’s state visit to the UK. Expect a lull in government administrative activities until the following week.
Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/17/nigerian-govt-declares-march-19-20-public-holiday-for-eid-al-fitr-celebration/, March 18, 2026
Photo credit: Daily Post
