The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha, the Ministry of Interior said on Monday. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the holiday in a statement issued through Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, as a festival rooted in sacrifice and compassion for humanity. He said the declaration reflects the federal government’s respect for the Islamic faith and the spiritual significance of the celebration to millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.
The holiday comes as one of Islam’s most important celebrations is observed by Muslims globally, and the government said the move affirms its respect for Muslims’ faith and spiritual heritage worldwide. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the country and support efforts toward national peace, security and prosperity.
The announcement also lands as the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kwara State said it deployed 950 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles, four ambulances and a 70-tonne tow truck to support traffic management and emergency response during the festivities. That gives the holiday declaration a practical edge: beyond the prayers and family gatherings, authorities are bracing for movement on the roads and the strain that comes with a major national observance.
For Muslims across Nigeria, the Salah holiday now has a fixed frame: two days off, a call to worship, and a government message that ties the celebration to sacrifice, obedience and national goodwill. The next test is whether the public safety preparations and the appeals for calm hold as the holiday begins.
