Branches of commercial banks and other financial institutions across Nigeria — including Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, and GTB — will be closed on Friday, September 5, 2025, in observance of the Eid-ul-Mawlid public holiday.

The Federal Government announced the holiday in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 3, by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“The Federal Government has declared Friday, 5th September 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate the celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him),” the statement read.

Eid-ul-Mawlid, observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar (Rabi’ al-Awwal), marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The government congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and the diaspora, urging them to uphold the Prophet’s values of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. It also appealed to Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for peace, security, and stability while supporting government efforts to strengthen unity and drive sustainable development.

Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized:

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity.”

Banks Advise Customers to Use E-Channels

During the one-day closure, banks have advised customers to use ATMs, mobile apps, internet banking, and USSD platforms for transactions.

Background on Bank Deposits

As of December 2024, customer deposits in 10 commercial banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange had risen to ₦140.97 trillion, up 51% from ₦93.5 trillion in 2023, according to third-quarter reports submitted to the NGX.

The latest holiday announcement means schools, government offices, and businesses across Nigeria will also close for 24 hours as the Muslim community celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birth.