Just in: FG Declares Thursday Additional Holiday For Eid-El-Fitr

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday.

This decision was disclosed through a statement issued by Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, on Tuesday.

The announcement, which was shared via the ministry’s official communication channel, highlighted the importance of recognizing Eid-El-Fitr and providing an opportunity for citizens to commemorate the religious occasion.

The statement said, “The Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”

Saudi Arabia, on Monday, said the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday.

It also added that the Eid-El-Fitr would hold on Wednesday, April 10 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.

Vanguard had earlier Sunday published that FG declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration

Also, on Monday, His eminence Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and president General Nigeria Supreme council for Islamic affairs (NSCIA) declared Wednesday the 10th of April 2024 as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH (Eid el Fitr Day) as moon is not sighted anywhere in Nigeria.

Sultan made the statement shortly after receiving the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee in Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee.

The committee in their report stated that it had not received any report from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday 8th April 2024 which was the 30th day of Ramadan 1445AH.

Eid el Fitr, which means the holiday of breaking the fast, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.