The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays in commemoration of this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the declaration underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the importance of the Islamic festival and its spiritual significance to millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across 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 said.
The minister congratulated Muslim faithful at home and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a sacred festival that symbolises sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion towards humanity. He called on Nigerians to take advantage of the festive season to offer prayers for the nation and support ongoing efforts aimed at achieving peace, security, and economic prosperity.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, seeking divine guidance for the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for all citizens,” the statement added. The government also wished Muslims a peaceful and joyful celebration, while encouraging unity, brotherhood, and mutual understanding among Nigerians.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, remains one of the most important celebrations in Islam and is observed by Muslims worldwide. Meanwhile, movement of travellers has increased in several parts of the country, including Lagos, ahead of the holiday period. To ensure safety on the roads during the festivities, the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara State Sector Command, announced the deployment of 950 personnel comprising officers, marshals, special marshals, and first responders across the state.
The command disclosed that 16 patrol vehicles, four ambulances, and a 70-tonne tow truck had been positioned to aid traffic control and emergency operations during the celebrations. Motorists were also advised to obey traffic regulations strictly, as the FRSC warned against speeding, reckless driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, and failure to use seatbelts.
