The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim faithful across Nigeria and in the diaspora on the occasion, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival of “deep spiritual significance”.
According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s respect for the Islamic faith and the importance of the celebration to millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement read.
The minister said Eid-el-Kabir embodies the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion and generosity, which are central teachings of Islam.
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid ul Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command before he was provided a ram in place of the child.
The celebration is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar and is observed globally with prayers, charity and the slaughtering of animals as acts of worship.
