* As Osun, Kwara, Sokoto, others declare work-free day on Muharram first
The national headquarters of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the Federal Government and state governments to declare 1st Muharram, the Islamic New Year, as a national public holiday, as Muslims across Nigeria joined the global Ummah in ushering in Hijrah 1448AH on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the association said the recognition of Muharram 1 as a public holiday would promote fairness, justice, and religious harmony, noting that it is equivalent in significance to January 1 in the Gregorian calendar.
Alhaji Balogun urged governments at all levels to recognise the Hijri calendar alongside the Gregorian system, while encouraging Muslims to use the new year for spiritual renewal, repentance, and recommitment to righteous living.
He also called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to deepen engagement with government authorities on issues affecting the Muslim Ummah, and prayed for peace, stability, and national progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Muharram 1 is our own January 1. We are calling on both the Federal and State Governments to declare it as such, in the interest of religious harmony in the country,” the National President of MMPN said.
Balogun however commended state governors who declared public holidays for the Islamic New Year, particularly in Northern Nigeria, as well as Oyo and Osun States in the South-West, urging other states to emulate their example.
He described the ongoing attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians by insurgent groups as un-Islamic, and called on the affected groups to cease fire and embrace peace as a demonstration of commitment to stability and coexistence.
Alhaji Balogun also advocated for stricter legislation against rape, kidnapping, and other acts of terrorism across the country, noting that such crimes were becoming increasingly rampant due to weak enforcement and the frequent escape of perpetrators from justice.
While extending his goodwill for the Islamic New Year, he urged Nigerians to celebrate in moderation in line with Islamic teachings and the prevailing realities in the country, praying for a peaceful, eventful, and crisis-free celebration.
States declare public holidays for Hijrah 1448AH
Several state governments across Nigeria declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a public or work-free day to mark the beginning of Muharram 1448AH, while others fixed Wednesday, June 17, 2026 depending on moon sighting confirmation.
Kwara State
The Kwara State Government declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a public holiday across the state to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the Hijrah was described as a timeless reminder of tolerance, faith, and peaceful coexistence, drawing lessons from the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq extended goodwill messages and prayers for peace, prosperity, and divine blessings across the state.
Niger State
The Niger State Government also declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a work-free day to commemorate Hijrah 1448AH.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Hijrah was described as a symbol of faith, sacrifice, resilience, and discipline.
He urged residents to use the occasion for prayers for peace, unity, and development in Niger State and Nigeria at large, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to its New Niger Agenda.
Oyo State
The Oyo State Government declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a work-free day to mark the Islamic New Year.
Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the Hijrah represents a major event in Islamic history and called for reflection, prayers, and unity among residents.
He urged citizens to use the occasion to promote peace, solidarity, and understanding across religious and ethnic lines.
Kano State
The Kano State Government declared Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as a public holiday to mark Hijrah 1448AH.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf congratulated Muslims in the state on witnessing the Islamic New Year and called for prayers for peace, unity, and economic stability.
He also urged residents to reflect on their deeds and renew commitment to righteousness and community development.
Sokoto State
The Sokoto State Government declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a public holiday for the commencement of the Islamic New Year.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu called on Muslims to use the occasion for sober reflection and prayers for an end to insecurity in the state and across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed government support for security agencies and stressed that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility.
Osun State
The Osun State Government declared Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as a public holiday to commemorate Hijrah 1448AH.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Aderibigbe Kayode Rasheed, the government congratulated Muslims on the commencement of the Islamic New Year and urged residents to embrace peace, unity, and tolerance.
The state also encouraged citizens to shun rancour and promote harmony across communities.
Hijrah and its significance in Islam
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, began with the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, marking a major turning point in Islamic history and the foundation of the Muslim Ummah.
The Hijrah represents faith, sacrifice, patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah (SWT), and remains a guiding example for Muslims worldwide.
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