The Federal Government has declared December 24, 25 and 26 public holidays to mark Eid el-Maulud, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.
The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.
The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.
Dambazau wished Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.
Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.