Finally, Christmas and New Year's Day have been properly proclaimed holidays by the Federal Government.
The administration rejected a media report last week that announced Christmas and New Year's breaks.
According to the most recent information on Thursday, Christmas and Boxing Day in 2022 will be observed as public holidays.
In a statement released on Friday, the Federal Government also designated January 2, 2023, as a holiday to celebrate the New Year.
Rauf Aregbesola, the minister of interior, made the news in a statement released by Dr Shuaib Belgore, the ministry's permanent secretary, on Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister wished Christians and all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, a joyous Christmas and New Year.
Aregbesola urged Christians to model Jesus Christ's qualities in action and adhere to his teachings, particularly those related to faith, hope, and love.
He said: “We must imbibe the life of Jesus Christ in his practice and teachings on humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness that his birth signifies.
“This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth.”
The Minister emphasised that peace and security were critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.
He, therefore, urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of the festive period to pray for eradicating any vestige of insecurity in the country.
Aregbesola reminded Nigerians that 2023 was an election and political transition year, so they should make it a massive success by voting peacefully and avoiding anything capable of undermining the exercise.
He assured that the Federal Government has put in place adequate measures for protecting lives and property.
The Minister, however, said getting the desired peace requires all Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies by providing timely and useful information that would assist them in discharging their duties effectively.
He urged Nigerians to be security conscious and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency through the N-Alert application on Android and IoS.
“When you see something, do an N-Alert, as this would elicit a prompt response from security agents,” he added.
The celebration calls for spartan discipline to protect the lives and properties of everyone in our community and the nation as a whole, he said.
The Minister advised Nigerians to celebrate moderately, act responsibly and refrain from spreading fake news on the country, the government and the people around them.
Aregbesola admonished all citizens to remain focused, assuring that 2023 would be a better year for everyone.
He wished Nigerians happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.