In this comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s holidays and observances throughout the year, we explore the cultural richness and diversity of the country. The year begins with New Year’s Day, a public holiday marked by family gatherings and festivities, followed by an additional day off to extend the celebrations. Valentine’s Day, Ash Wednesday, Women’s Day, and Mothering Sunday are among the observances in the first quarter of the year.
The start of Ramadan, Good Friday, Easter, and Id el Fitr are significant religious events in the following months. Workers’ Day, Children’s Day, and Democracy Day are other notable public holidays. The year concludes with Sambisa Memorial Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve. Each of these holidays and observances reflects the unique cultural tapestry of Nigeria, showcasing the country’s religious diversity, social values, and historical milestones.
New Year’s Day
Date: 1 Jan
Day: Sunday
Name: New Year’s Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 every year, marking the start of a new calendar year. Nigerians celebrate it with public and private events, including family gatherings, fireworks, and religious ceremonies.
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Day off for New Year’s Day
Date: 2 Jan
Day: Monday
Name: Day off for New Year’s Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: This is an additional public holiday observed to extend the New Year celebrations, allowing people to rest or spend more time with family and friends.
Valentine’s Day
Date: 14 Feb
Day: Tuesday
Name: Valentine’s Day
Type: Observance
Description: Valentine’s Day is an observance celebrated worldwide, associated with the idea of love. Nigerians celebrate by expressing affection to their loved ones through gifts, romantic meals, or special activities.
Ash Wednesday
Date: 22 Feb
Day: Wednesday
Name: Ash Wednesday
Type: Observance, Christian
Description: Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It is a day of fasting and repentance, where ashes are applied to the foreheads of believers to symbolize mourning and penance.
Women’s Day
Date: 8 Mar
Day: Wednesday
Name: Women’s Day
Type: Observance
Description: Women’s Day is observed to honor women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s a day for advocacy of women’s rights and gender equality.
Mothering Sunday
Date: 19 Mar
Day: Sunday
Name: Mothering Sunday
Type: Observance
Description: Mothering Sunday is a Christian tradition in Nigeria, celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent. It is a day to honor mothers and mother figures, often marked by gifts and special meals.
March Equinox
Date: 20 Mar
Day: Monday
Name: March Equinox
Type: Season
Description: The March Equinox marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. It is not a public holiday, but it is recognized as the time of the year when day and night are approximately equal.
Ramadan Start
Date: 23 Mar
Day: Thursday
Name: Ramadan Start
Type: Observance
Description: The start of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Good Friday
Date: 7 Apr
Day: Friday
Name: Good Friday
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed by Christians with fasting, processions, and church services.
Holy Saturday
Date: 8 Apr
Day: Saturday
Name: Holy Saturday
Type: Observance, Christian
Description: Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Eve, commemorates the day that Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death. It is the day before Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday
Date: 9 Apr
Day: Sunday
Name: Easter Sunday
Type: Observance, Christian
Description: Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. In Nigeria, it is marked by church services and festive family meals.
Easter Monday
Date: 10 Apr
Day: Monday
Name: Easter Monday
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, celebrated as a public holiday in Nigeria. It often includes outdoor festivals and sporting events.
Id el Fitr
Date: 21 Apr
Day: Friday
Name: Id el Fitr
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Id el Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a significant Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a day of feasting, gift-giving, and charity.
Id el Fitr holiday
Date: 24 Apr
Day: Monday
Name: Id el Fitr holiday
Type: Public Holiday
Description: This is an additional holiday to prolong the Id el Fitr celebrations. It allows more time for religious observances, family gatherings, and feasting.
Workers’ Day
Date: 1 May
Day: Monday
Name: Workers’ Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Also known as Labor Day, Workers’ Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers. Parades and rallies by labor unions often mark it.
Children’s Day
Date: 27 May
Day: Saturday
Name: Children’s Day
Type: Observance
Description: Children’s Day in Nigeria is dedicated to the welfare and rights of children. It includes activities such as costume parties, gifts to children, and advocacy for children’s rights.
Democracy Day
Date: 12 Jun
Day: Monday
Name: Democracy Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Democracy Day marks the day when Nigeria transitioned to democratic rule in 1999. It is a day for Nigerians to celebrate their freedom and remember their history.
Father’s Day
Date: 18 Jun
Day: Sunday
Name: Father’s Day
Type: Observance
Description: Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and father figures. It is a day for expressing gratitude and love to fathers with gifts, special meals, or activities.
June Solstice
Date: 21 Jun
Day: Wednesday
Name: June Solstice
Type: Season
Description: The June Solstice marks the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.
Id el Kabir
Date: 29 Jun
Day: Thursday
Name: Id el Kabir
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Id el Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an Islamic festival that commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Id el Kabir additional holiday
Date: 30 Jun
Day: Friday
Name: Id el Kabir additional holiday
Type: Public Holiday
Description: This additional holiday prolongs the Id el Kabir celebrations, providing more time for religious observances, family gatherings, and feasting.
Al-Hijra
Date: 19 Jul
Day: Wednesday
Name: Al-Hijra
Type: Local holiday
Description: Al-Hijra marks the Islamic New Year. It commemorates the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. The day is marked by prayers and reflection.
Isese Day
Date: 20 Aug
Day: Sunday
Name: Isese Day
Type: Local holiday
Description: Isese Day is a local holiday in the Osun state, celebrating the Yoruba religion and traditions. It typically involves cultural events, processions, and traditional rites.
September Equinox
Date: 23 Sep
Day: Saturday
Name: September Equinox
Type: Season
Description: The September Equinox marks the first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is a time when day and night are approximately equal.
Id el Maulud
Date: 27 Sep
Day: Wednesday
Name: Id el Maulud
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Id el Maulud, or Mawlid, celebrates the birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is marked by communal meals, night-long vigils, and recitation of litanies.
National Day
Date: 1 Oct
Day: Sunday
Name: National Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: National Day marks Nigeria’s independence from British rule in 1960. It is celebrated with military parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders.
Day off for National Day
Date: 2 Oct
Day: Monday
Name: Day off for National Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: This additional holiday is given to prolong the National Day celebrations, providing an opportunity for more festivities or rest.
Sambisa Memorial Day
Date: 22 Dec
Day: Friday
Name: Sambisa Memorial Day
Type: Local holiday
Description: Sambisa Memorial Day is a local holiday in Borno state, commemorating the victims of Boko Haram attacks. It involves memorial events and prayers for peace.
December Solstice
Date: 22 Dec
Day: Friday
Name: December Solstice
Type: Season
Description: The December Solstice marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere. It is the shortest day of the year, with the sun at its lowest point in the sky.
Christmas Eve
Date: 24 Dec
Day: Sunday
Name: Christmas Eve
Type: Observance, Christian
Description: Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day. It is often marked by special church services, meals, and the anticipation of the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Christmas Day
Date: 25 Dec
Day: Monday
Name: Christmas Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joy and celebration, marked by gift-giving, special meals, and family gatherings.
Boxing Day
Date: 26 Dec
Day: Tuesday
Name: Boxing Day
Type: Public Holiday
Description: Boxing Day is a day off for many workers in Nigeria. It is traditionally a day to give gifts to service workers and those less fortunate.
New Year’s Eve
Date: 31 Dec
Day: Sunday
Name: New Year’s Eve
Type: Observance
Description: New Year’s Eve is the final day of the year. It is often celebrated with parties, events, and fireworks that continue into the early hours of the New Year.
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Nigeria Public Holiday
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Nigeria 2023? ›
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit. ng's Twitter Spaces to Embrace Equity in the Media Sector. The New Year holiday is just one of the at least 16 public holidays Nigerians will enjoy in 2023.
What are the remaining public holidays in Nigeria? ›There are no holidays in Nigeria today.
Is New Year public holiday in Nigeria 2023? ›| Date | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Sunday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 2 | Monday | Day off for New Year's Day |
| Feb 14 | Tuesday | Valentine's Day |
| Calendar Year 2023 Legal Public Holidays | |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 29, 2023 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Monday, June 19, 2023 |
| Independence Day | Tuesday, July 4, 2023 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 4, 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.
Nigerian workers are entitled to an annual leave of six days each year. This leave is increased to 12 working days for the younger workers who are under 16 years old, including apprentices.
What is Nigeria biggest holiday? ›With an estimated 60% of its population identifying as Christians, Christmas is arguably the most celebrated holiday in the country.
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 a popular holiday in Nigeria? ›| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Workers' Day | 1 May | Commemorates Workers' labor movement internationally. |
| Children's Day | 27 May | School holiday for Children. |
| Democracy Day | 12 June | Commemorates the return to Democracy in Nigeria. |
| Independence Day | 1 October | Commemorates the Independence of Nigeria from Britain. |
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.
How many weekends and holidays in 2023? ›
2023 has a total of 249 workdays. In total, there are 105 weekend days and 11 public holidays.
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.
How many working days in 2023 including holidays? ›There are a total of 260 working days in the 2023 calendar year.
Which country has the most public holidays? ›The sheer size of India and its extensive history has led to a vast array of public holidays being observed. 21 public holidays are celebrated in India. Many public holidays are based on various religious festivals (including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Christianity).
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.
What are the list of holidays in order? ›- New Year's Day January 1.
- Martin Luther King's Birthday 3rd Monday in January.
- Washington's Birthday 3rd Monday in February.
- Memorial Day last Monday in May.
- Juneteenth National Independence Day June 19.
- Independence Day July 4.
- Labor Day 1st Monday in September.
- Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October.
- In January: Take the Thursday and Friday before Martin Luther King Day off. ...
- In April: Take off the full week before Easter. ...
- In July: Take off Monday, July 3rd. ...
- Next November: Take the full week after Veterans Day off, AND the three days before Thanksgiving.
Yes, Juneteenth is a U.S. federal holiday.
How many hours do workers work in Nigeria? ›The standard working week in Nigeria consists of 48 hours, 8 hours per day. A 40-hour workweek with 8 hours per day is common as well. There is no legal mandate on how much overtime pay to give but the terms of overtime should be laid out in the employment contract.
What are the legal working hours in Nigeria? ›A workday in Nigeria is a standard 8 hours shift and 40 hours a week, with all workers entitled to a minimum of six working days paid annual leave and overtime pay where applicable.
How many days is marriage leave in Nigeria? ›
The entitlement may vary depending on the regulation. Employees in activities of work which are not regulated by any W.R.O., are allowed two working days of marriage leave as stipulated in L.N. 432 of 2007 - Minimum Special Leave Entitlement Regulations.
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.
How do Nigerians dress? ›Casual attire is commonly worn but formal and traditional styles are also worn depending on the occasion. Clothing incorporates a variety of colors, fabrics, and embellishments (often beads). Many of the component cultures of Nigeria wear styles that are unique to their tribal society and customs.
What is the 3 most popular holiday? ›Thanksgiving, Memorial day, and Veterans day are the most popular holidays in the United States.
What is Santa's name in Nigeria? ›Nigeria version na father Christmas,while foreign version na Santa Claus. Yes! Santa Claus is for issues ( children) while Father Christmas is for pikin.
What traditions do Nigerians celebrate? ›Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays.
What does a Nigerian Christmas look like? ›Christmas cards are sent to friends and family members. Presents are exchanged amongst family members and some families may take their children dressed in new outfits to see Santa Claus. In addition to serving turkey, a traditional Christmas meal in Nigeria may include beef, goat, sheep, ram or chicken.
Which country celebrates 2023 last? ›The last place on earth to hit 2023 will be the islands of American Samoa, back in the Pacific Ocean where things first started. A full 24 hours after the fellow Pacific island of Kiritimati entered into the New Year, the residents of American Samoa will do the same.
What holiday is April 17 2023? ›National days on Mon Apr 17th, 2023. Explore worldwide events, festivals, funny, weird, and national days on this day! It's National Cheeseball Day, International Bat Appreciation Day, National Kickball Day, Nothing Like A Dame Day, Blah Blah Blah Day… and much more!
Where is it riskiest to go on holiday in 2023? ›Medical and security specialist International SOS has identified Afghanistan as potentially the most dangerous country in the world to visit in 2023. The organisation's recently published Risk Map 2023 named Syria the second-most dangerous destination to visit, followed by Ukraine, Mali and Iraq.
How many work hours for 2023? ›
In 2023, there are 260 working days, totaling 2,080 working hours.
How many working days for each month in 2023? ›In 2023, there are 20.75 average work days (or business days) per month for a standard five-day work week with 11 federal holidays off throughout the year. What is this?
Which months have 5 weekends in 2023? ›| Dates: | 1/ 8 / 15 / 22 / 29 | 2 / 9 / 16 / 23 / 30 |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | 5 Saturdays | 5 Sundays |
| August 2023 | 5 Tuesdays | 5 Wednesdays |
| October 2023 | 5 Sundays | 5 Mondays |
| December 2023 | 5 Fridays | 5 Saturdays |
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).
Duration of Academic Year and Semester
Each session shall consist of two semesters with a long vocation of between 11 to 12 weeks. Each semester shall have minimum of 17 weeks, 15 of which must be devoted to actual teaching.
| TERM | BEGINS | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1ST Term | Sunday 5/09/2021 | 14 Weeks |
| Holiday | Sunday 12/12/2021 | 4 Weeks |
| 2nd Term | Sunday 9/01/2022 | 13 Weeks |
| Holiday | Sunday 10/04/2022 | 3 Weeks |
In 2023, there are 11 public holidays, which brings the total number of working weeks down to 50. If you have two weeks of vacation time, it's likely that you'll be working 48 weeks this year. Personal days and paid leave could reduce your number of workweeks even further.
How many days till summer holidays 2023? ›There are 43 days until 15th July 2023.
How many Sundays are there in 2023? ›There are a total 52 Saturdays and 53 Sundays in Calendar 2023 and dates will be mentioned here under each month.
Which country has the lowest holiday? ›1. Switzerland. Switzerland, a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps is top on the list of countries with the least number of public holiday. It has a total number of 7-15 public holidays depending on the canton/region.
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.
Which religion has the most holidays? ›Hinduism recognizes the birthdays and milestones of hundreds of deities. It also commemrates the changing of the seasons, the harvest, and lunar phases.
Why is it called a floating holiday? ›A floating holiday is a paid day off that each employee can decide when to take. It's called a floating holiday because every year it “floats” or moves to the date when the employee takes it. A floating holiday is generally given in addition to the typical paid holidays that most employers provide as a benefit.
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.
How many national holidays in a year? ›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.
How many holidays does Ghana have a year? ›There are approximately thirteen nationally recognized public holidays in Ghana, a sub-Saharan country in Africa. The primary National holiday is Independence Day which is on the 6th of March. It is a National Day and is set to honor the memory of Ghana's independence from the United Kingdom in 1957.
How many days left for 2023 countdown? ›We are approximately nearing the year 2023, and as of the current day, there are 170 days left until 2023.
How many holidays does USA have? ›The United States recognizes 12 federal holidays. Learn about federal, state, and cultural holidays celebrated in the U.S.
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.
How many holidays does South Africa have a year? ›South Africa has 12 public holidays each year, determined by the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994), which came into effect on 1 January 1995. The Act states that if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be declared a public holiday.
How many public holidays in a year in South Africa? ›
South Africa has 12 public holidays as determined by the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) [PDF]. The Act determines whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following on it shall be a public holiday.
What language is spoken in Ghana? ›The most widely spoken language in Ghana is Twi, particularly in the southern regions of the country. Other commonly spoken languages include Ewe, Fante, and Ga. It's worth noting that many Ghanaians also speak English, so visitors who are more comfortable with English may still be able to communicate effectively.