The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark Easter celebrations. The announcement was made by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a statement issued on Wednesday. April 3 is Good Friday, while April 6 is Easter Monday. Tunji-Ojo extended greetings to Christians in Nigeria and the diaspora, describing Easter as a joyous occasion. He encouraged citizens to embrace the values of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance, and love, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. The minister emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. He said Easter serves as a reminder of the values of tolerance and community that strengthen national cohesion. Nigerians were urged to uphold these principles for the country's development.
Declaring two days off for Easter gives many Nigerians a welcome long weekend, especially those who already turn churches, parks, and beaches into celebration zones every Easter. With Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays, the break mirrors the festive energy seen during Christmas and Carnival seasons in cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. It's not just about worship—this extended pause often fuels small business surges, from bakeries selling pascha bread to fashion spots doing brisk sales in white linen. When the government aligns holidays with cultural rhythms, it doesn't just honor faith—it fuels life.
