The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays across the federation to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha (Sallah) celebrations.
The announcement was made official on Monday afternoon by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a press statement signed and released by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
A Nod to Spiritual Heritage
According to the statement issued from Abuja, the two-day declaration emphasizes the state’s profound regard for the Islamic faith and the spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who are joining the global Islamic community to observe the sacred festival.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended the warm felicitations of the Tinubu administration to Muslim faithful both within the country and in the diaspora. He described Eid-ul-Adha—popularly referred to as Eid-el-Kabir or Sallah in Nigeria—as a cornerstone festival of deep spiritual importance, grounded in the timeless values of sacrifice, unyielding obedience to God, and deep compassion for humanity.
“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the statement read in part.
Calls for Prayer Amid National Challenges
Beyond the traditional slaughtering of rams and social gatherings that define the holiday, the Minister heavily leaned into the current socio-economic climate of the country. He urged all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious leaning, to treat the two-day work break as a period for rigorous prayer and sober reflection.
The administration noted that divine guidance and unified civic support remain vital as the government pushes forward with strategic policy reforms aimed at restoring long-term peace, tracking down security threats, and building sustainable economic prosperity for every citizen.
With federal administrative offices, banking institutions, and public schools scheduled to shut down by Tuesday evening, law enforcement agencies—including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—have already begun deploying thousands of personnel along major interstate highways to guarantee hitch-free transit during the mid-week break.
