Located on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria has abundant natural resources and a diverse geography. It is the 7th most populous country in the world with its population estimated at 200.96 million and has a number of different religions practiced in the country.
Nigeria is a diverse multi-ethnic country, with over 520 languages spoken by the people. Nigeria is also Africa’s largest economy due to its export market, while its land area spans 923,763 km².
Public holidays in Nigeria consist of religious and national holidays observed by Nigerians across the country.
| Dates | Holidays |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Apr 3 | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Easter Monday |
| Mar 20 – 21 | Eid-al-Fitr |
| May 1 | Worker’s Day |
| May 27 | Children’s Day |
| May 27 – 28 | Eid-al-Adha |
| Jun 12 | Democracy Day |
| Aug 25 | Prophet’s Birthday |
| Oct 1 | Independence Day (National Day) |
| Dec 22 | Sambisa Memorial Day |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day Holiday |
New Year’s Day
Similarly to countries around the world, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Nigeria, celebrating the first day of the New Year according to the Gregorian Calendar.
Good Friday
In Nigeria, Good Friday is a public Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ before the Easter celebration.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a Christian holiday celebrated the day after Easter Sunday. It is the most important Christian holiday as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Worker’s Day
More commonly known as Labor Day, Worker’s Day in Nigeria commemorates the achievements of the Labor movement.
Eid-al-Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is observed by Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.
Children’s Day
A public holiday for Primary and Secondary school children, Children’s Day celebrates these children all over Nigeria.
Democracy Day
Democracy Day marks the restoration of Democracy in Nigeria, and after its turbulent journey, Nigeria is the world’s fourth-largest democracy today.
Eid-al-Adha
Eid-al-Adha commemorates the sacrifice that Prophet Abraham made to God, and is the most important feast of the Muslim calendar.
Independence Day
Nigeria’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from British rule in 1960. Their independence day is also celebrated by Nigerians in New York and has been celebrated since 1991. The celebrations in the U.S. are the largest celebrations outside Nigeria.
Public Holiday
This public holiday in Nigeria is a work-free day in Nambra State for the posthumous birthday of the first President of Nigeria, Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Sambisa Memorial Day
The Sambisa Memorial Day mourns the victims of Boko Haram insurgents. It also marks the victory of the Nigerian Military and remembers the fallen soldiers and volunteers who have sacrificed their lives fighting Boko Haram since 2009.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated by Christians in Nigeria, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, often called the Day of Goodwill in Nigeria, is celebrated on the 26th of December. It is said that the name comes from people getting rid of boxes from presents after Christmas.
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