The Federal Government has formally declared next Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Abubakar Magaji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, in Abuja.

The statement added that Thursday January 1 had also been declared as public holiday to mark the New Year's Day.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government.

He enjoined Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful, to extend the spiritual benefits of Christmas to their daily living and through this, contribute to the development of the nation.
 
"The minister wishes all Nigerians a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year celebrations and urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity in the country," Magaji stated.‎