Hijrah 1448: List of states that have declared public holidays

• Muslims across the world are set to celebrate the Hijrah 1448 AH, which fell on Tuesday, June 16, and Nigeria is not left out of the celebrations
• Some Nigerian governors have decided to honour the day and declared Tuesday as public holidays for the people in their states
• The Hijrah is often celebrated to commemorate the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Median in 622 CE

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No less than three states in Nigeria have declared Tuesday, June 16, as a public holiday, in celebration of Hijrah 1448 AH, the Islamic new year. Hijrah, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, considered a significant event in Islamic history. The Hijrah calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning on the new moon.

The states that have declared the public holidays are listed below:

Borno state

The Babagana Zulum-led Borno state administration has announced an official public holiday to mark the Islamic Hijri New Year (1448 AH), with government entities set to close on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

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In a statement released on Sunday, June 14, Usman Tar, the commissioner for information and internal security, urged residents of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state to use the period to rededicate themselves to peaceful coexistence and service to humanity and development.

Seyi Makinde of Oyo

The Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a work-free day for public workers to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic calendar year, Hijri (also called Hijrah) 1448AH.

The declaration comes just days after Nigerians nationwide observed the 2026 Democracy Day public holiday.

Kebbi's Nasir Idris

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced Tuesday, June 16, as a public holiday in the state, in commemoration of the celebration of the Islamic New Year. The period is expected to allow the people in the state, particularly the civil servants, to observe the Islamic New Year 1448 AH celebration.

The governor reportedly approved the declaration, which was announced in a statement by the permanent secretary on establishment, Hajiya Hafsat Tune, in a statement on Monday, June 15.

What Hijrah is all about

The Hijrah New Year is a time for reflection, introspection, and renewal for Muslims. It is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, make new resolutions, and strive for spiritual growth.

Muslims around the world mark the occasion with prayers, charity, and acts of kindness. It is also a time to remember the early Muslim community's struggles and sacrifices and draw inspiration from their courage and perseverance.

The new year, Hijrah 1448 AH, will commence on Sunday, June 16, the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijrah calendar. The governors who declared public holidays in their states announced Monday because Sunday is the usual work-free day in Nigeria.