2026 NIGERIA HOLIDAYS

2026 Public Holidays Nigeria Service

The above is the list of 2026 public holidays declared in Nigeria which includes federal, regional government holidays and popular observances. We also provide Nigeria holiday calendar for 2026 in Word, Excel, PDF and printable online formats.

Nigeria is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. Public holidays are categorized into three, religious holidays, public holidays, and national holidays. The laws governing the holidays are contained in the public holiday act. The president has powers to create or terminate holidays. The state governors also have powers to create holidays in their respective regions.

Workers always get a paid day off during public holidays. During the holidays, government offices and institutions remain closed. About half of the populations in Nigeria are of the Muslim religion. Christians take about 40% of the population. Most of the religious holiday celebrations are based on Muslim believes. The first major Muslim holiday in Nigeria is Eid al Maulud. The day commemorates the birth of Prophet Mohammed in 570 AD. The holy month of Ramadan is also honored, just like in any other Muslim nation. Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. The day is marked with lots of celebrations and feasting.

Christians celebrate Easter holidays and Christmas annually. Christmas is the most celebrated Christian holiday. The day is graced with lots of celebrations and festivities nationwide.

Public holidays such as the New Year and Labor Day are celebrated with intense kinds of festivities in Nigeria.

There are two main national holidays in Nigeria; Democracy Day and Independence Day. The most celebrated event is Independence Day. It is observed to honor the day Nigeria got independence after going through colonization by European colonies.