FG Declares Eid al-Adha Public Holidays for May 27 and 28

ABUJA — The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid al-Adha, also known as Sallah. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday and applies to all federal government offices, schools, and public institutions nationwide.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the government joins all Muslims in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate the feast of sacrifice. He urged Nigerians to use the holiday period to reflect on the values of faith, generosity, and national unity.

“Eid al-Adha is a time of reflection, gratitude, and sharing. The Federal Government wishes all Muslims a joyful and peaceful celebration. We also urge all Nigerians, regardless of faith, to embrace the spirit of generosity that this festival represents,” Tunji-Ojo said in the statement.

The Sultan of Sokoto and Saudi Arabia both confirmed the Eid al-Adha date last week, giving Nigerian Muslims certainty about the timing of the celebration. The two-day public holiday gives workers, students, and businesses enough time to observe the festival and travel to spend time with family.

Sallah Celebrations Across Nigeria

Preparations for Sallah are in full swing across northern Nigeria. Markets selling rams, cows, and goats have been busy for days. Tailors are working around the clock to complete new outfits. Prayer grounds in cities and towns across Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Maiduguri, and Abuja are being cleaned and decorated for the morning Eid prayers.

However, the economic context is bittersweet. Ram prices have risen sharply compared to last year. Many families said they are buying smaller animals or sharing the cost with neighbours. Islamic scholars have reminded communities that the spirit of Eid is in gratitude and generosity, not the size of the sacrifice.

Furthermore, security agencies have been placed on high alert during the holiday period. Police, army, and civil defence forces will maintain heightened patrols in urban areas and along major roads to ensure the safety of travellers and worshippers. The Inspector-General of Police said officers have been deployed across all states.

Holiday Travel Advisory

The Federal Road Safety Corps issued a special advisory for the Sallah holiday period. FRSC Comptroller-General Shehu Mohammed urged motorists to avoid night travel, check their vehicles before long journeys, and comply with speed limits. He said the corps will deploy additional officers at accident-prone spots on major highways.

Bus terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other major cities are expected to be very busy on Tuesday evening as Nigerians travel home to celebrate. Transport operators have warned of fare increases during peak travel hours. Consumer protection agencies urged travellers to report unlawful overcharging.

The federal government also reminded civil servants that offices will reopen on Friday, May 29, which is Democracy Day, before the regular weekend. The combined Sallah and Democracy Day period gives many Nigerians a longer-than-usual break heading into the final days of May 2026.