Nigerians will observe the federal government- public holiday on Monday, January 2, in observance of the New Year 2023, which begins today, Sunday, January 1. Nigerians will have access to public holidays in 2023, including the New Year’s holiday.
When the federal government, through the Ministry of Interior, proclaims a public holiday, it means that on that particular day, all public institutions – including banks, enterprises, and government offices – will be closed. Therefore, being aware of public holidays can aid in effective calendar planning.
Nigeria Public Holidays 2023
Here are the public holidays in Nigeria in 2023
January 1 – New year’s Year Day
Nigeria is home to a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and religious groups. However, New Year’s Day is a moment when the entire nation gathers to rejoice. In various areas of the nation, people assemble in churches and mosques on December 31 to celebrate and pray for the upcoming year.
Nigeria Information Guide masks are also sometimes worn from 12:01 a.m. on December 31 until 1:01 a.m. on January 1 as a means to cleanse the slate and pray for blessings. List of national and other holidays in Nigeria in 2023 for public holidays
April 7- Good Friday
Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday or Great Friday, is a significant Christian event that commemorates Jesus Christ’s execution and death at Calvary. Every year, Good Friday falls on a different day.
The holiday is typically observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and it frequently coincides with the first full moon after March 21 on the Paschal calendar.
April 9- Easter Sunday
Pascha is the name for Easter Sunday in both Latin and Greek. It is one of the most significant Christian festivals both in Nigeria and around the world, and it commemorates Jesus’ resurrection. The following Monday is often off for Nigerians because the holiday falls on a Sunday. This holiday’s dates fluctuate from year to year.
May 1- Workers’ Day
The first Monday in May is observed as Labor Day around the globe. In Nigeria, the day off is known as Workers Day. Nigeria celebrates Workers’ Day as a public holiday each year to recognize the dedication of its workforce. The eight-hour day movement, a component of the labor union movement, served as the impetus for the holiday.
April 22 – Eid al Fitr
This is one of the recognized holidays observed by Muslims in Nigeria. The celebration occurs at the conclusion of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. Every year, primarily due to the moon, the precise dates of Eid al-Fitr shift. Despite being a religious holiday, Eid al-Fitr is observed as a national holiday in Nigeria.
June 12- Democracy Day
This is one of the recognized holidays observed by Muslims in Nigeria. The celebration occurs at the conclusion of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. Every year, primarily due to the moon, the precise dates of Eid al-Fitr shift. Despite being a religious holiday, Eid al-Fitr is observed as a national holiday in Nigeria.
June 29- Eid Ul Adha
The second-most significant Muslim holiday in Nigeria is Eid al-Adha. The festival is also known as the Sacrifice Feast. It recalls the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son Ismael to Allah. In Nigeria, everyone typically takes the day off for Eid al-Adha.
October 1 – Independence Day
Independence Day is a recognized national holiday in Nigeria. Every year, it is typically observed on October 1. On October 1, 1960, the nation formally ended its rule by the British. The president delivers a speech that is aired on national television and radio to kick off the day’s activities.
December 25 – Christmas Day
The majority of nations in the globe observe Christmas Day as a public holiday, and billions of people do so. Christians all throughout the world value this day since it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Day is a wonderful day to spend with family in Nigeria, and it’s the sole occasion when most people leave their city employment to return home.
December 26 – Boxing Day
People celebrate Boxing Day, which comes the day after Christmas. It originally began as a period when wealthy people would present gifts to their servants and receive gifts themselves. Nowadays, the majority of people relax at home with their family on Boxing Day.
Regional holidays
Additionally, certain states in Nigeria have public holidays that are uniquely observed there. The holidays that each state observes (sometimes referred to as regional holidays) are listed below.
- November 2- Thanksgiving Day in Bayelsa State is on November 2.
- November 16- Anambra State’s public holiday
What is the month of Labor Day?
The day of the work is May 1.
What day is Easter Monday?
The Easter Monday is on April 10.
When does National Day occur?
October 1 is a national holiday.
What day is Christmas?
December 25 is Christmas Day.
Also read: 20 Most Popular December Global Holidays
