Banks and other financial institutions across Nigeria are expected to shut their physical branches on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following the Federal Government’s declaration of a public holiday to commemorate Eid ul Mawlid.
The holiday marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and was announced by the Federal Ministry of Interior.
The official declaration was issued on Friday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Customers can still access banking services
Although bank branches will be closed during the public holiday, customers are expected to continue carrying out transactions through electronic channels.
ATMs, mobile banking applications, internet banking and other digital payment platforms should remain available for routine transactions.
Customers who need to transfer money, make payments or access cash can therefore rely on these alternative banking channels while physical branches remain shut.
Tunji-Ojo sends message to Nigerians
The interior minister congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and abroad while urging Nigerians of all faiths to reflect on the values associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad.
Tunji-Ojo said: “Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others. These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them.”
He also encouraged citizens to pray for peace and national unity, stressing that maintaining cohesion is a responsibility shared by everyone.
The minister called on Nigerians celebrating the occasion to do so peacefully, with restraint and respect for others.
Federal Government restates commitment to peace
Beyond the Eid ul Mawlid message, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
The public holiday applies to federal government offices, banks and many formal-sector organisations nationwide.
With bank branches expected to remain closed on Tuesday, customers are advised to make use of digital banking services for transactions that cannot wait until normal banking operations resume.
