By Our Reporters
The 1st of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, is a significant day in the Muslim calendar. Although it is not listed as an official national public holiday in Nigeria, its spiritual importance is deeply felt by Muslims across the country, as it commemorates the historic Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah; a turning point in Islamic history that laid the foundation for the first Islamic state.
In acknowledgment of this sacred occasion, some state governments, especially in regions with substantial Muslim populations, have continued the tradition of declaring public holidays to commemorate it. This allows Muslims the time and space to engage in reflection as they usher in the new Hijrah year.
Below is a compilation of Nigerian states that have officially declared public holiday to mark the start of Muharram 1447 AH.
OSUN STATE (FRIDAY)
The Osun State Government has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, a public holiday across the state.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Rasheed Aderibigbe said in an official statement on behalf of the state government on Thursday, that the hloday is in commemoration of Hijrah 1447AH.
The statement reads in part, “While extending warm greetings to the Muslim faithful across the state, Governor Adeleke urged residents to use the occasion to pray for sustained peace, progress, and prosperity in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
“The Governor also called on all citizens to celebrate the Islamic New Year in peace and harmony, encouraging everyone to shun rancor and embrace unity, which he described as the foundation for sustainable development.
“Let us use this spiritual occasion to reflect on the values of love, sacrifice, and mutual respect that the Hijrah embodies,” the statement concluded.
KATSINA STATE (FRIDAY)
Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda has declared Friday, as a work-free day to commemorate the New Islamic Year 1447AH.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Abdullahi Faskari on Thursday in Katsina, the Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Muslims in the state and across the country on witnessing the new Islamic Calendar.
The declaration of the holiday is to enable civil servants and residents to join other faithful in celebrating the year, and to reflect on its spiritual significance.
According to the statement, “Governor Radda called on the good people of Katsina State to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another, emphasising that no meaningful development could take place without peace and stability.
KWARA STATE (THURSDAY)
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has declared Thursday a public holiday in the state to celebrate the 1447 Hijrah celebration.
The governor, in a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, his Chief Press Secretary, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, extends his congratulations to the state’s people, especially the Muslims, on the new Hijrah Year, 1447 AH.
The statement read, “The Governor, meanwhile, has again approved that Thursday, the first day of Muharram 1447, be observed as a statewide holiday in commemoration of the new Islamic calendar.
“He urges the Muslim community to reflect on the significance of the Hijrah in the life of the community and larger human society, calling for renewed commitment to excellent human relations, peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual respect.
“Hijrah teaches personal and collective sacrifice for good causes and abandonment of everything that is antithetical to peace, harmony, and social justice,” the governor said in the statement.
He prays that the new Hijrah year brings goodness and abundance, peace and increased security, enduring happiness, and renewed faith to all Kwara State families.
BORNO STATE (THURSDAY)
Borno State government has declared Thursday, 26th June, as public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic year 1447 After Hijrah.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani said the work-free day is applied to all institutions, including offices, schools, and financial institutions.
The statement called on residents of the state to use the new Islamic year as a time of reflection and spiritual renewal for the betterment of the state and the country as a whole.
“On behalf of the government of Borno State, i wish to declare Thursday 26th June as public holiday to mark the new Islamic year 1447 AH. All institutions, including offices, schools, and financial institutions, are requested to comply,” Tijani announced.
” Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the muslim Ummah and the entire people of the state for witnessing the new year,” he added.
The SSG called on residents to use the period for spiritual reflection and dedication for a more prosperous and peaceful Borno.
OYO STATE (FRIDAY)
Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, a work-free day across the state to commemorate the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1447AH.
The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.
The governor said the day had been set aside to allow Muslims and residents of the state to celebrate the Islamic New Year and reflect on its spiritual significance.
Governor Makinde also urged all residents to use the occasion to pray for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“The Governor enjoins all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of the state in particular, and the country in general,” the statement read.
KANO STATE (THURSDAY)
The Kano State government has declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as public holiday to mark the Islamic calendar — 1447 After Hijrah (AH).
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday,
June 25, 2025.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a warm message to the Muslim faithful, congratulated the people of Kano and Muslims across the globe for witnessing the start of the sacred month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar year.
Describing the new year as a moment of spiritual reflection, Governor Yusuf encouraged citizens to look back on the past year with introspection and embrace the new one with hope, prayer, and renewed purpose.
He urged residents to take the time to pray for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity — both in Kano State and across Nigeria.
The statement added that Governor Abba “Called on the people of the state and the Muslim Ummah to reflect on their actions over the past year and to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country at large.”
The governor also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the people through policies and programs rooted in fairness, service, and compassion.
KEBBI STATE (FRIDAY)
The Kebbi State Government has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday in celebration of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH.
This was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by Malami A. Maiyama, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment, Pension and Training.
According to the statement, the holiday is to allow public servants and residents mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.
“Public servants are to observe the holiday in celebration of the commencement of Islamic New Year 1447. However, normal work will resume on Monday, June 30, 2025,” the statement read.
All organizations operating in the state are expected to comply accordingly.
ZAMFARA STATE (FRIDAY)
The Zamfara State Government has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1447 After Hijrah (AH).
In a statement released on Thursday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon. Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, said the decision was approved by Governor Dauda Lawal to allow Muslim faithful and residents to observe the occasion with prayers and reflection.
“The approval by His Excellency is in line with Zamfara’s tradition of honouring key Islamic events,” the statement said.
Governor Lawal congratulated the Muslim community on the New Year and called on all residents to use the opportunity to offer prayers for lasting peace and progress in Zamfara and across Nigeria—especially given the prevailing security challenges in the region.
“His Excellency extends his heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim community and encourages citizens to continue praying for the restoration of peace, progress, and harmony in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large—especially in light of ongoing security challenges,” the statement read.
The government also wished the people of the state a spiritually rewarding and peaceful Islamic New Year.
SOKOTO STATE (THURSDAY)
The Sokoto State Government has declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, corresponding with 1st Muharram, 1447 AH, as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
The decision, announced through a statement on Thursday by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, is aimed at allowing the Muslim faithful across the state to celebrate the commencement of the new Hijrah calendar year.
In a message, Governor Ahmed Aliyu called on the people of the state to use the occasion for deep spiritual reflection and a renewed commitment to their faith and personal growth.
“We should use the beginning of this new Islamic calendar year for sober reflection and self-assessment to recognise where we have done well and strive for improvement, and where we have fallen short, to make amends,” the governor said.
He stressed the importance of the Islamic New Year as a time for Muslims to reconnect with the values of piety, humility, and accountability, urging the faithful to embrace the spiritual and moral teachings of the Hijrah.
NIGER STATE (FRIDAY)
The Niger State Government, under the leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday across the State to commemorate the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1447 AH.
A statement issued by Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) disclosed that the decision aligns with the State Government’s commitment to honouring significant religious events and fostering unity among its diverse population.
The SSG conveyed Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s felicitations to the Muslim community in Niger State and beyond, urging them to reflect on the profound lessons of the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Mecca to Medina which symbolizes faith, sacrifice and the pursuit of peace.
Alhaji Usman encouraged citizens to use the day for spiritual rejuvenation, prayers for the prosperity of Niger State and the continued peace and unity of Nigeria .
He reiterated the State Government’s dedication to fostering interfaith harmony and social cohesion, urging residents to emulate the values of tolerance and mutual respect exemplified by the Hijrah .
The SSG also prayed for Allah’s blessings upon the people of Niger State, wishing them a year filled with divine guidance, security and abundant prosperity.
JIGAWA STATE (FRIDAY)
The Jigawa State government has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, a work-free day to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on Thursday by the State Head of the Civil Service, Muhammad Dagaceri.
According to Dagaceri, the holiday allows the working class and the wider community to participate in celebrations marking the Islamic New Year.
The State Head of Service encouraged all workers and citizens of Jigawa State to engage in prayers for sustained peace and prosperity throughout the state.
He urged the people to reflect deeply on and live in accordance with the teachings of Islam and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The government also called on citizens to remain law-abiding and refrain from actions that could disrupt peace and harmony in Jigawa State.
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