- The Federal Government declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid ul Mawlid
- Banks and financial institutions across Nigeria will shut down, though digital and ATM services remain accessible
- Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo called on all Nigerians to reflect on values of compassion, humility and national unity
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Banks and financial institutions across Nigeria will be closed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after the Federal Government declared a public holiday to mark Eid ul Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The announcement came through the Ministry of Interior, with Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalene Ajani issuing the official statement on Friday on behalf of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Photo: Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
Customers who need to carry out transactions on the day can still use ATMs, mobile banking apps and other electronic payment channels, as digital services are expected to remain active despite the closure of physical branches.
Tunji-Ojo’s Message to Nigerians
The minister used the occasion to congratulate Muslims both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, calling on all citizens, regardless of religion, to draw lessons from the values associated with the life of the Holy Prophet.
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 asked Nigerians to use the period to pray for peace and national cohesion, describing unity as a shared responsibility that belongs to every citizen.
He urged the public to mark the celebration with restraint and respect for one another, Punch reports.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Beyond the holiday message, the minister restated the current administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining peaceful conditions across the country.
Photo: Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images
The Eid ul Mawlid public holiday applies to federal government offices, banks and most formal sector establishments nationwide.
Ahead of the holiday, banks are expected to encourage customers to use digital platforms to carry out transactions.
Commercial bank shuts 79 branches
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Absa Group streamlined its physical banking network during the first half of 2026, shutting 79 traditional branches and taking more than 100 ATMs out of service as fewer customers opted for face-to-face banking.
The South African financial institution disclosed the changes in its interim results covering the six months ended June 30, 2026. The figures highlight the bank’s continued shift towards digital and alternative channels for serving customers.
Absa’s traditional branch network declined by 18% to 359 locations, while its ATM footprint decreased by 2% to 4,976 machines.
The lender explained that the reductions were driven by evolving customer preferences and increased adoption of digital banking, rather than a decision to scale back its overall market presence.
Source: Legit.ng