The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the Federal Government and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, a public holiday, saying such recognition would promote religious harmony and inclusiveness in the country.
The group made the appeal on Tuesday as Muslims in Nigeria and across the world marked the beginning of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448 A.H.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the association argued that millions of Nigerian Muslims deserve the same official recognition accorded to Christians on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian calendar.
“Muharram 1 is our own January 1. We want both the Federal and state governments alike to declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony in the country,” Balogun said.
According to him, declaring a public holiday for the Islamic New Year would demonstrate fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law while strengthening national cohesion in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.
The MMPN further urged governments at all levels to formally recognise and utilise the Islamic calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar in official activities and public engagements.
The association also called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to intensify engagement with relevant authorities on the issue and other matters affecting the Muslim community.
While congratulating Muslims and non-Muslims on the commencement of the new Islamic year, Balogun encouraged adherents of Islam to use the occasion for self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He commended governors of several northern states, as well as those of Oyo and Osun states, for declaring public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year, urging other state governments to adopt similar measures.
On the security situation in the country, the MMPN president condemned the continued attacks and killings by insurgent groups, describing such acts as contrary to the teachings of Islam. He appealed to perpetrators of violence to embrace peace and abandon criminal activities.
Balogun also advocated stricter laws and more effective enforcement against crimes such as rape, kidnapping, and terrorism, expressing concern over what he described as a prevailing culture of impunity that allows many offenders to escape justice.
He urged Nigerians to celebrate the Islamic New Year responsibly and continue to pray for peace, stability, and sustainable development across the country.
