Public Holidays in Nigeria 2026
13 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Nigeria's federal holiday calendar combines Christian and Muslim festivals with Democracy Day and Independence Day.
Nigeria Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 19 | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday Confirmed |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday Confirmed |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha Holiday Confirmed |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday Confirmed |
| Jun 12 | Friday | Democracy Day |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Eid ul Mawlid Confirmed |
| Oct 1 | Thursday | Independence Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
* 2027 Islamic dates are planning estimates until formally declared by Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Interior.
Federal Declarations and Religious Holidays 2026
Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Interior announced the final 2026 dates individually: Eid al-Fitr on 19 and 20 March, Eid al-Adha on 27 and 28 May, Democracy Day on 12 June and Eid ul Mawlid on 25 August.
Holiday Rules in Nigeria
The Public Holidays Act provides the framework, while the Ministry of Interior announces the exact dates and any substitute days.
Nigeria Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Democracy Day is 12 June.
- Independence Day is 1 October.
- Eid holidays are formally declared by the Federal Government.
- Nigeria remains on UTC+1 year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Nigeria Independence Day?
It is observed on 1 October.
When is Democracy Day?
It is observed on 12 June.
Why are 2027 Eid dates provisional?
The Federal Government announces the final dates after religious confirmation.
Can a substitute day be added?
Yes. Government declarations can add an observed weekday when appropriate.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official 2026 federal public-holiday declarations, including lunar holidays and later current-year notices.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is the primary reference. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent cross-check; later official declarations take precedence.