Several states across Nigeria have declared today, Friday, June 27, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1447 After Hijrah (AH). The declaration allows Muslim faithful in the respective states to celebrate the first day of Muharram, a significant event in the Islamic calendar.
States that have officially announced the public holiday include Katsina, Kebbi, and Osun. Governors of these states released statements extending their congratulations to the Muslim Ummah and urging residents to use the occasion for reflection, prayer, and to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
Similarly, states like Kwara and Sokoto marked the occasion with a public holiday on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, commemorates the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This event, the Hijrah, was a pivotal moment in the history of Islam, leading to the establishment of the first Muslim community in Medina.
In light of the state-level declarations, a member of the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to consider declaring the first day of Muharram a national public holiday to promote religious inclusion and unity.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official announcement from the Rivers State government regarding a public holiday for the Islamic New Year. Therefore, Friday, June 27, 2025, is a regular working day in Port Harcourt and across Rivers State.
The next national public holiday in Nigeria is expected to be in observance of Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, with the date to be officially announced by the Federal Government.
