#NigeriaDecides2019: FG declares Friday Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Friday, February 22nd as a public holiday, ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

This was made known in a statement released by the Ministry of Interior, saying bankers and those offering essential services across the nation are excluded in observing the public holiday.

“The Federal Government declares Friday, February 22, 2019 as work-free day. Those providing essential duties and bankers are excluded. The work-free day is to enable citizens return to their poling units for the reschedule Presidential & National Assembly elections. Security agencies have been directed to ensure safety of lives and property before, during and after the general election.” the statement read

Some states and businesses across the federation had initially declared a holiday for members of staff on February 15, in anticipation of the February 16 elections.

Major banks across the country issued statements of early closure on Friday, February 15 — closing their outlets earlier than usual.

The elections were, however, postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had claimed logistical reasons for the delayed poll.