The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Wednesday through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Christians across Nigeria and in the diaspora on the occasion of Easter, urging them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, love, forgiveness, and selflessness demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
He called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence, noting that such virtues are essential for national development and stability.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national rebirth, and shared prosperity.
In a related development, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that over 840,000 foreign nationals are currently residing in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visas.
He explained that the figure was uncovered through a newly enhanced immigration tracking system designed to monitor the movement and status of foreigners in the country.
According to the Minister, the development highlights that irregular migration is not limited to Nigerians abroad but also involves foreign nationals who fail to comply with visa regulations within Nigeria.
He added that the number of visa overstayers cuts across different nationalities and is approaching one million, raising concerns about immigration compliance and national security.
The government is expected to intensify efforts to address the issue as part of broader reforms in the country’s immigration system.
