Nigeria Public Holidays 2026
Nigeria observes 14 public holidays in 2026. The table below lists every nationwide holiday with its date and weekday. Regional holidays and non-official observances are marked separately.
2026 at a glance
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
All holidays in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Public |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Id el Fitr | Public |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Public |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Observance |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Public |
| May 1 | Friday | Worker's Day | Public |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Id el Kabir | Public |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Children's Day | Public |
| Jun 12 | Friday | Democracy Day | Public |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year | Public |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | Public |
| Oct 1 | Thursday | Independence Day | Public |
| Nov 1 | Sunday | National Youth Day | Public |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Public |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day | Public |
| Dec 31 | Thursday | New Year's Eve | Observance |
Data source: the open-source date-holidays dataset. Verify critical dates with official government sources. · Last updated: July 20, 2026
About public holidays in Nigeria
Public holidays in Nigeria are days when most schools, banks, government offices and many businesses are closed nationwide. Dates for religious and lunar-calendar holidays can shift from year to year, and governments occasionally move observed dates when a holiday falls on a weekend. Always confirm critical dates with an official source before booking travel or scheduling business.
Frequently asked questions
- How many public holidays does Nigeria have in 2026?
- Nigeria has 14 nationwide public holidays in 2026, plus additional observances and regional holidays.
- What is the next public holiday in Nigeria?
- The next public holiday in Nigeria is Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) on August 25, 2026.
- Are shops and banks closed on public holidays in Nigeria?
- On nationwide public holidays most banks, government offices and schools in Nigeria close. Shop opening hours vary by region and by holiday — major holidays usually mean reduced hours or full closure.