Nigeria Public Holidays 2025
Nigeria has 14 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | Id el Fitr | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Worker's Day | public |
| 27 May | Tue | Children's Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Id el Kabir | public |
| 12 Jun | Thu | Democracy Day | public |
| 26 Jun | Thu | Islamic New Year | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | public |
| 1 Oct | Wed | Independence Day | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | National Youth Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | observance |
About Nigeria's Holidays
Nigeria celebrates a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays that reflect its diversity. National holidays mark history and civic life, like Independence Day and Democracy Day. These are days for ceremonies and public events.
Religious holidays are widely observed. Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and Muslim festivals like Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, bring family gatherings, prayers, and feasting. Dates for some depend on lunar moons.
Public holidays also include New Year and Workers Day. Many regions observe local traditional festivals honoring chiefs, harvests, and culture. Those events feature music, dance, colorful clothes, and community celebrations that show Nigeria s rich heritage.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Nigeria bring bright colors, music, and lots of noise from drums and talking. People wear special clothes to show family or community pride. Children often visit relatives and get small gifts or money.
Food is central. Families cook big meals with jollof rice, stews, grilled meat, and special soups. Sharing food shows love and respect. Neighbors often exchange plates and invite each other to eat together.
Families gather in homes to pray, tell stories, and remember ancestors. Young people help set up and clean. Elders give blessings and share advice. Laughter and singing fill the rooms.
Public celebrations include parades, market festivals, and community dances. Streets bustle with vendors, music, and colorful displays. The mood is joyful and welcoming to guests.
Travel Tips
Holiday season in Nigeria is very busy. Government offices and banks close for official holidays, and some shops or services may shut early. Plan for reduced office availability and check opening hours before you go.
Airports, long distance buses and major roads get crowded. Flights and buses can sell out and take longer. Book tickets and hotel rooms early, and allow extra travel time between places.
Markets, malls and city centers are busiest on weekends and the days before and after major holidays. Expect lines and traffic jams. Pack patience and avoid peak hours when you can.
Bring a mix of cash and card, a copy of your ID and hotel contact. Use trusted taxis or ride apps, stay aware of local safety advice, and confirm any bookings ahead of time.