Nigeria Federal Government declares Monday public holdiay

The federal government has declared Monday, December 12, as public holiday.

A statement signed by Muhammadu Maccido, the permanent secretary to the minister of interior Abdulrahman Dambazzau said the holiday has been declared to enable Nigerian Muslims mark the Eid-El Maulud celebration.

Making the declaration on behalf of the federal government, Maccido said, all Muslims are enjoined to, "cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, as he works tirelessly to build a strong, united and peaceful Nation.”

Maccido said the minister of interior has also urged all Nigerians to use holiday period to pray for peace across the Nigeria.

“We call on all to be patient and supportive of the present administration for the successful implementation of its laudable programmes,” Maccido said. 

Ed el Maulud is a religious period when Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammed's (also known as Mohammed or Muhammad) birthday.

The El el Maulud celebration is always observed on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal.

However, Shi'a Muslims mark theirs on the 17th of the same month.