The Federal Government has officially announced Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as public holidays of Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year Day, but Nigerians, as is common during such seasons when they travel to visit family and friends in their hometowns and villages, may take the additional days in-between and begin to return to their work places on Monday, January, 5, 2025.
Even those who do not travel may stay at home, knowing the absence of others from their desks will inhibit their ability to function fully.
But those in the private sector, especially banks, may not be able to enjoy such luxury as they have to be at their desks to attend to customers. Many other privaate outlets, though, shut down for the year by December 23.
Averagely, many government workers, especially the non-essential ones, may take five days extra (excluding the Saturdays and Sundays in between), starting December 25, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
The holidays, which offer rest from the buffeting hardship in the economy which has affected the purchasing power of almost all Nigerians, promise to be hardest since independence 64 years ago. Presently, Christmas staple, rice, goes for over N100,000 per 50kg bag of the imported one; and about N80,000 for the locally processed.
A measure of rice, which many are likely to resort to, goes for between N2,300 and N3,000, depending on area of residence in the country.
Other condiments are also not smiling at customers, while another favourite for festivities, the chicken, sells for between N18,000 and N25,000 for an average size, going by Everyday.ng market survey.
Many may not be celebrating the season as expected by sharing food and drinks, it was gathered, due to the harshness of the present time.
But the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, extended warm festive greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the 2024 yulletide holiday period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity, adding that with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is on the path to a prosperous and thriving economy in 2025 —one that will be a source of pride and inspiration for the world.
He stressed that the season provides an opportunity to promote harmony and strengthen the bonds that tie families and communities together.
“The Christmas season offers a moment for spiritual reflection and a national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, let us practice kindness and extend goodwill to everyone, regardless of our differences,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said.
He called on all Nigerians to remain dedicated to the nation’s peace, unity, and progress, as these are essential for national development.
The Minister assured citizens of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the country.
