Nigeria Public Holidays
Nigeria observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Nigeria observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Nigeria by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Nigeria.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Children's Day |
| Jun 12 | Friday | Democracy Day |
| Oct 1 | Thursday | National Day |
| Nov 1 | Sunday | National Youth Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 28 | Monday | Boxing Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Nigeria
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Nigeria. Public holidays are days designated by law when normal business operations are suspended. You can learn more about how public holidays are defined on our public holidays page.
Explore the full list of public holidays for Nigeria in 2026 and other available years.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Nigeria observes several public holidays that are widely recognized across the country. These include significant national celebrations and religious observances.
Other holidays in 2026 include Children's Day, Democracy Day, and National Youth Day. For a comprehensive list, please visit the 2026 holidays page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Easter Monday — 6 April 2026. Celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.
- Workers' Day — 1 May 2026. A day dedicated to celebrating laborers and their contributions.
- National Day — 1 October 2026. Nigeria's national day celebrating independence.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Planning around holidays
Nigeria's public holidays are spread throughout the year, with a concentration of observances in the spring and late autumn. Some holidays, like Easter, have dates that vary annually based on the lunisolar calendar. National Day is always on October 1st, providing a fixed point for planning in the fall.
- Seasonal Patterns: Holidays are distributed across the year, with notable periods in April and December. Some religious holidays, such as Good Friday and Easter Monday, shift dates annually.
- Fixed Dates: Several holidays, including New Year's Day, Workers' Day, Democracy Day, and National Day, fall on consistent dates each year.
- Observance: Many businesses and government offices may close on public holidays. It's advisable to confirm operating hours for services you may need.
- Yearly Variation: Check the specific dates for holidays like Easter each year, as they are determined by the ecclesiastical calendar.
Plan Your Year Around NG Holidays
View Nigeria holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.