Nigeria, like many other countries around the world, has a number of official holidays. There are some that are celebrated all over the world, some that have to do with Nigeria’s history, and some that are only celebrated in certain states. People usually get time off from work and school for these holidays, which makes them important to the country’s calendar. What are Nigeria’s different national holidays, and what do they mean?
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Most of Nigeria’s most important holidays have something to do with national issues like independence and self-government, religious issues like Islamic and Christian beliefs, and international issues like workers’ rights.
Read Also:Public Holidays in Nigeria 2021 and Significance
The different public holidays in Nigeria
1. New Year’s Day – January 1
Nigeria has many different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. Still, New Year’s Day is a time when everyone in the country comes together to celebrate. On the night of December 31, people in some parts of the country gather in churches and mosques to celebrate and pray for the coming year.Information Guide Nigeria
Masks are also often worn from midnight on December 31 until the morning of January 1 as a way to pray for blessings and clean the slate.Public holidays in Nigeria 2023: List of national and other holidays
2. Good Friday – April 7
Good Friday, which is also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is an important Christian holiday that remembers the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. The date of Good Friday changes from year to year.
The holiday is usually celebrated on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and it often falls on the first full moon of the Paschal calendar after March 21. This holiday sometimes falls on the same day as the Jewish Passover.
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3. Easter Sunday – April 9
In both Latin and Greek, Easter Sunday is called Pascha. The holiday celebrates Jesus’s resurrection and is one of the most important Christian holidays in Nigeria and around the world. Since the holiday is on a Sunday, Nigerians usually have the next Monday off. Different years have different dates for this holiday.NYSC Portal
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4. Labour/Workers’ Day – May 1
Labor Day is a holiday that is celebrated all over the world on May 1. Workers Day is the name of the holiday in Nigeria. Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Nigeria that is held every year to honor the hard work of Nigerian workers. The holiday started with the eight-hour day movement, which was part of the labor union movement.
Workers’ Day was on May 2, 2022, instead of May 1, which was a Sunday.105 Good Morning My Love Messages
5. Eid al Fitr – April 22
One of the official holidays that Muslims in Nigeria celebrate is this one. The holiday comes at the end of Ramadan and at the beginning of Shawwal. The exact dates of Eid al Fitr change every year, mostly because of the moon. Even though Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday, it is a national holiday in Nigeria.
6. Democracy Day – June 12
In Nigeria, Democracy Day is a public holiday. The holidays used to be in May 2019, but on June 6, 2018, a new date was chosen. The holiday marks the day in 1999 when the military gave power to a civilian government that was chosen by the people.20 Best Home Office Appliances in Nigeria and their prices
This was the beginning of the longest period of civilian rule since Nigeria got rid of colonial rule in 1960. On Democracy Day, the president usually gives a speech to the whole country, and big public parties are held in Eagle Square in the capital city of Abuja.20 Best Women’s Scarves and Wraps in Nigeria
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7. Eid ul Adha (Eid el Kabir) – June 29
Eid al Adha is the second most important holiday for Muslims in Nigeria. It is also called the Feast of Sacrifice. It remembers how the Prophet Ibrahim was willing to give up his only son Ismael as a sacrifice to Allah. In Nigeria, Eid al-Adha is usually a day off for everyone.
Id el Kabir happens on the tenth day of Dhu’l-Hijja, which is the twelfth month on the Muslim lunar calendar. This means that there is no set date for Eid ul Adha. Instead, the date is set by the moon. Even though the holiday is only one day long, the celebrations can last up to a week, but they usually last between two and four days.
During Id el Kabir, religious Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to reenact Ibrahim’s sacrifice. Others who can’t travel often wear their best clothes and listen to sermons and pray outside or in their local mosques.200 Romantic Love Message For Her
8. National Day/Independence Day – October 1
Nigeria has an official national holiday called Independence Day. It is usually celebrated on October 1 every year. It marks the day that the country got rid of British rule on October 1, 1960. The day’s events officially start with a speech from the president, which is broadcast on TV and radio across the country.
After that, there will be a ceremony to raise the flag, and then the army will march through the streets of Abuja in a parade. Soldiers from all of Nigeria’s states join in the celebrations and dance different Nigerian dances. Independence Day will be on October 3, 2022, because October 1 will be a Saturday.
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9. Christmas – December 25
Christmas Day is a public holiday in most countries around the world, and billions of people celebrate it. The date is important to Christians all over the world because it marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Nigeria, Christmas Day is a special time to spend with family, and it’s the only time most people leave their jobs in the city to go back to their homes in the countryside.
10. Boxing Day – December 26
After Christmas Day, people have a party called Boxing Day. It started out as a time for rich people to give gifts to their servants and poor people to get gifts. Today, most people spend Boxing Day at home with their families, taking it easy.JAMB Portal
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State-specific (regional) holidays
Some Nigerian states also have public holidays that only people in those states get to celebrate. Here is a look at the holidays that each state celebrates (often known as regional holidays).
- November 2: Thanksgiving Day in Bayelsa State
- November 16: Public Holiday in Anambra State
- December 22: Sambisa Memorial Day in Borno State
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List of national and other holidays Public Holidays Public Holidays in Nigeria
FAQs
Public holidays in Nigeria 2023: List of national and other holidays? ›
Nigeria has a total of 33 holidays in 2023.
How many holidays are there in Nigeria 2023? ›Nigeria has a total of 33 holidays in 2023.
How many national holidays are there in 2023? ›In Summary
These eleven federal holidays of 2023 are days when the majority of Americans would expect not to have to go to work.
According to a BBC pidgin report, there are 21 public holidays in Nigeria for the year 2022. For some, this is a bit of good news while for others, the holidays might not favour their schedules, businesses, or other commitments. PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
What are the remaining public holidays in Nigeria? ›| Date | Weekday | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| June 29 | Thursday | Id el Kabir Holiday |
| Sep 27 | Wednesday | Eid-El-Maulud (The Prophet's Birthday) |
| Oct 1 | Sunday | National Day |
| Oct 2 | Monday | National Day Holiday (tentative) |
Nigeria Independence Day is on October 1. It celebrates the country's independence from British rule which occurred in 1960. The government of Nigeria celebrates this holiday annually.
What is the most popular holiday in Nigeria? ›Christmas and Easter festivals are celebrated widely, with a distinct West African flavor, and most of the Christians live in the south. The main Muslim festivals are Eid al Fitri, Eid al Maulud and Eid al Kabir, which are recognized as national Nigerian holidays.
What is the holiday calendar for 2023? ›| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| November 24, 2023 | Black Friday | Friday |
| November 27, 2023 | Cyber Monday | Monday |
| December 7, 2023 | Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | Thursday |
| December 25, 2023 | Christmas Day | Monday |
Yes, Juneteenth is a U.S. federal holiday.
What are floating holidays 2023? ›This type of holiday is a paid day off that is not attached to a specified date or holiday. It floats, just like you float in your pool. A floating holiday allows for more flexibility when someone is taking off work for a holiday purpose — whether that holiday is religious or is just the Super Bowl.
Is Christmas a public holiday in Nigeria? ›
The government announced holidays for Christmas and new year. The Nigerian government has declared Monday and Tuesday December 26 and 27, 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations. Also, the government announced January 2, 2023 as a public holiday to celebrate the New Year.
WHO declared public holiday in Nigeria? ›The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
How long is 3rd term holiday in Nigeria? ›Third term holidays include Children Day (May 27), Democratic Day (June 12) and Eid-ul-Adha (June 28 to 29). The state government directed schools to maintain a minimum of 180 learning days. It said they must observe public holidays and ensure third term vacation does not exceed eight weeks.
Is tomorrow public holiday in Nigeria yes or no? ›There are no holidays today for the holiday type you chose.
Is Workers Day a public holiday in Nigeria? ›Federal Government has declared Monday 1st of May as Public Holiday to mark this year's Workers Day Celebration. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulates workers across the country on this year's celebration.
How many holidays are there in the US? ›The United States recognizes 12 federal holidays. Learn about federal, state, and cultural holidays celebrated in the U.S.
Which country visits Nigeria the most? ›In 2021, Niger and India were the most common countries of origin of tourists in Nigeria, with nine percent and five percent of the total arrivals that year, respectively. The United States and Benin followed.
Is Christmas big in Nigeria? ›This isn't a worst-case traffic scenario; it's Christmas in Nigeria - and the most magical time of the year! With an estimated 60% of its population identifying as Christians, Christmas is arguably the most celebrated holiday in the country.
Which African country has the most holidays? ›Egypt, an African country, also has 22 public holidays in each financial year. That translates to nearly-two holidays every month.
What is the 3 most popular holiday? ›Thanksgiving, Memorial day, and Veterans day are the most popular holidays in the United States.
What is the first federal holiday in 2023? ›
The date also marks the arrival of the first federal holiday of the year in the US, New Year's Day on January 1. However, because New Year's Day falls on a Sunday in 2023, the holiday will be officially observed on Monday, January 2nd.
Are there any holidays in August 2023? ›About 2023 August Holidays
While there are no major holidays this month, some people say the whole month of August is one big holiday.
There are a total of 260 working days in the 2023 calendar year.
Why is it called a floating holiday? ›There are two meanings to the phrase “floating holiday.” It can describe a public holiday that doesn't land on the same date every year, or it can be a paid day off from work given as a substitute for a public holiday. An example of that first description would be Thanksgiving.
What is the difference between holiday and floating holiday? ›Unlike federal US holidays, which are set by the employer and typically include days like Christmas, Juneteenth, or Fourth of July, a floating holiday can be used by employees on any day they choose, such as personal or religious holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions.
What is Christmas called in Nigeria? ›In Hausa Happy/Merry Christmas is 'barka dà Kirsìmatì'; in Yoruba it's 'E ku odun, e ku iye'dun'; in Fulani it's 'Jabbama be salla Kirismati'; in Igbo (Ibo) 'E keresimesi Oma'; in Ibibio 'Idara ukapade isua' and it's Edo it's 'Iselogbe'.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Nigeria? ›Boxing Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Is Monday and Tuesday public holiday in Nigeria 2023? ›The Federal Government has declared Monday, 29th May 2023 as work-free for all workers in the country. According to the federal government, the decision is to allow Nigerians to commemorate the inauguration of the nation's 16th democratically elected President.
What are the working days in Nigeria? ›Business Practices in Nigeria
In general, businesses are open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Government offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (in some states).
The origins of Christmas in Nigeria date back to the repatriation of freed slaves from the United States of America to Africa, which started in 1820. Among the 500 people who settled in Badagry, Lagos State, in 1838 was James Fergurson.
Is Eid al Fitr a public holiday in Nigeria? ›
Is Id el Fitr a Public Holiday? Id el Fitr is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Eid ul Fitr is a time to share great food with family and friends.
How many holidays exist? ›The United States has established by law the following 12 permanent federal holidays, listed in the order they appear in the calendar: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Inauguration Day (every four years following a presidential election), George Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National ...
How many holidays are there each year? ›Holidays are a welcome break, and a chance to celebrate important events. The Federal Government recognizes 10 holidays. However, several things can affect when you observe your holidays such as your alternative work schedule (if you work one) and if you work full time or part-time.
Which country has the most public holidays? ›The following table is a list of countries by number of public holidays excluding non-regular special holidays. Nepal has the highest number of public holidays in the world with 35 annually.
What are the six recognized holidays? ›The “standard six” are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
What is the biggest holiday in the world? ›1. Christmas. Christmas may be represented by presents and Santa Claus nowadays, but this popular holiday had another origin story. Depending on which culture you ask, Christmas could be related to many different things.
What are all the holidays in order? ›These include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Additionally, businesses often close or grant paid time off for New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and the Day after Thanksgiving, but none of these are federal holidays.
What are the 13 holidays per year? ›Here's what we've found: The Federal paid holiday schedule includes New Year's Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., President's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, in that order.
Are there 12 federal holidays? ›The United States recognizes 12 federal holidays. Learn about federal, state, and cultural holidays celebrated in the U.S.