The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared 24th, 25th and 28th as public holidays for the celebration of Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively. The announcement was made by the Minister of the Interior, Rtd Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau that the Federal Government has declared Thursday 24th December, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid-El Maulud celebration. He also stated that Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration. Maulud Nabiyy is a celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, while Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ.