The holidays that matter for visitors
Nigeria observes nine main public holidays. Fixed dates: January 1st (New Year), May 1st (Workers' Day), May 27th (Children's Day, half-day for schools), June 12th (Democracy Day), October 1st (Independence Day), December 25th and 26th (Christmas and Boxing Day). Moveable: Good Friday and Easter Monday, plus Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha which shift by about 11 days a year on the Gregorian calendar. Muslim holidays are announced by the sighting of the moon, so the exact date is confirmed only 24-48 hours ahead.
On all these days, banks and government offices close. ATMs work but can run out of cash. Most Lekki restaurants stay open — Cactus, RSVP, Talindo, Nok by Alara — but staffing is lighter and kitchens sometimes close by 9pm. Malls at Ikota, Circle Mall Jakande, and The Palms Lekki stay open normal hours.
Eid changes the city more than you’d expect
Lagos is roughly half Muslim, and Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) both bring quiet mornings and busy evening celebrations. Traffic drops for the morning prayers, then rises for family visits by lunchtime. Beach clubs and Landmark Beach see spikes on Eid afternoons — expect Lagos family crowds. Ramadan itself, the month leading up to Eid al-Fitr, is worth noting: many staff at Muslim-owned businesses fast during daylight, evening restaurant rushes shift to 8-11pm for iftar, and some venues offer iftar menus at ₦12,000-25,000.
Democracy Day and Independence Day are quieter than Christmas or Eid. Roads are lighter, hotels sometimes run domestic promotions, and it's a genuinely good time to move around Lekki without the usual traffic.
Bon à savoir
Do hotels raise prices for public holidays?+
Only Christmas and New Year. Eid and Independence Day rates match normal weekend rates.
Are ride-hail apps still working on public holidays?+
Yes, but with fewer drivers and 1.5-2x surge pricing, especially in the evenings.