If there’s one thing you should know about Nigeria, it’s that this country doesn’t do public holidays halfway. Nigeria’s calendar is packed with holidays that celebrate the country’s cultural and religious diversity. Knowing these key dates can help you avoid surprises and truly understand the rhythm of Nigerian life. Here’s your guide to all the major public holidays coming up in 2025.

January

  • 1 Jan (Wed) – New Year’s Day
  • 15 Jan (Wed) – Armed Forces Remembrance Day (honors Nigeria’s military veterans)

February

  • (No public holidays)

March

  • 31 Mar (Mon) – Eid al‑Fitr ends Ramadan (actual date may vary; marked on 30th/31st)

April

  • 1 Apr (Tue) – Eid al‑Fitr Holiday (day after)

  • 18 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday

  • 20 Apr (Sun) – Easter Sunday (observance)

  • 21 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday

May

  • 1 May (Thu) – Workers’ (Labour) Day

June

  • 6 Jun (Fri) – Eid al‑Adha (Id el Kabir) begins
  • 7–9 Jun – Eid al‑Adha holidays (additional days)
  • 12 Jun (Thu) – Democracy Day (commemorating return to democracy)

July

  • 15 Jul (Tue) – National Day of Mourning for former president Buhari

September

  • 5 Sep (Fri) – Eid al‑Maulud (Milad un‑Nabi)

October

  • 1 Oct (Wed) – Nigeria Independence Day

December

  • 25 Dec (Thu) – Christmas Day
  • 26 Dec (Fri) – Boxing Day
  • Eid and Christmas are the biggest holidays in Nigeria so you should expect busy roads during these festive seasons. Also, churches and mosques are generally also fully packed during these seasons!
  • Democracy Day (June 12) is a very important political celebration. It normally accompanies major speeches and events in Abuja and Lagos.
  • Plan transport wisely because travel delays are common during long holiday weekends and festive periods.
  • Most government offices and banks are closed on public holidays but ATMs still work. But still it is very advisable to carry cash just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are holidays respected in all regions?

Yes… Nigeria observes these holidays nationwide, though Christian holidays are more visible in the south and Islamic holidays in the north.

2. Can tourists join the celebrations?

Absolutely. You’ll often be invited to eat, dance or even attend services. Just remember to be respectful of religious customs and dress codes.

3. Is it safe to travel during holidays?

In major cities, yes. But traffic can be chaotic. So try your best to avoid late-night travel in rural areas.
Kojo Enoch

Traveler. Storyteller. Curious about how people live around the world. I created Explore With Kojo to share real stories from the places I visit and to inspire smart, honest travel.

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