The Federal Government has declared December 25 and 26, 2019 and January 1, 2020 as public holidays.
It is to enable Nigerians to celebrate for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the announcement on Thursday in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah.
In the statement, Aregbesola felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians, home and abroad, on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The minister enjoined all Christians to live by the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ, saying those virtues hinge on “compassion, patience, peace, humility, righteousness and love for one another.”
He said that living by those Christlike virtues would guarantee an atmosphere of peace and security in the country.
Aregbesola said that the determination of government toward peace and security would engender inflow of foreign direct investment, thereby revitalising the nation’s economy.
He said it would also improve employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the country.
The minister expressed confidence that 2020 would be a breakthrough year for all Nigerians.
He assured that the Federal Government, under the ‘visionary leadership’ of President Muhammadu Buhari, would make life more meaningful for all Nigerians.
“With love for one another, hard work, selfless service, patience and patriotism, Nigeria will sooner than later join the league of developed nations,” he said.