THE Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5 as a public holiday to mark Mawlud, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani made available to News Point Nigeria, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Ajani congratulated Muslims across the country and in the diaspora on the occasion, urging them to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion.
She also encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the celebration to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, while supporting government’s efforts to strengthen national unity and foster development.
“The Minister of Interior wishes Muslims a joyous and peaceful Mawlud celebration.
“The celebration of Mawlud offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s (SAW) teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity.”
The minister appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious while supporting government policies aimed at promoting national unity and sustainable development.
Observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar (Rabi’ al-Awwal), Mawlud commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
It is marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and acts of charity. In Nigeria, the day is recognised as a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s large Muslim population and long-standing tradition of observing major Islamic festivals.
See the full statement below:
FG DECLARES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025, PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK MAWLUD
The Federal Government has declared Friday, 5th September 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate the celebration of Mawlud, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm felicitations to Muslims Umah in Nigeria and across the world on this occasion
Dr. Tunji-Ojo enjoined the Muslim faithful to reflect on the virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stressing that these values remain essential in building a united, prosperous, and progressive nation.
He further called on Nigerians, regardless of their religious beliefs, to use the occasion to pray for the peace, security, and stability of the country, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in fostering national harmony and sustainable development.
“The celebration of Mawlud offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at ensuring the collective well-being of all Nigerians.
The Minister wishes all Muslims a joyous and peaceful Mawlud celebration.
SIGNED
Dr. Magdalene Ajani,
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Interior.
September 3, 2025.