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.