Nigerians flay FG over public holidays’ extension

A cross-section of Nigerians, on Tuesday flayed the extension of a two-day holiday earlier declared by the federal government to three days.

While some Nigerians described the decision as “commendable”, many berated the government, saying embarking on holidays drags down productivity of a nation.

Daily Trust had reported that the federal government approved Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -El-Fitr.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako on Tuesday, said the decision was taken to allow Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful to enjoy their Sallah celebration.

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He quoted the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.

But reacting to the announcement via their social media handles, some Nigerians explained that frequent holidays in a country like Nigeria would impact negatively on its productivity.

The Anglophone Africa Coordinator at Centre for Investigative Journalism, London, Akintunde Babatunde, said, “Unpopular but three full days as holiday doesn’t make any sense.”

In the same vein, an award-winning journalist, Busari Kemi, in his comment said, “Even two doesn’t for a nation that needs to up her production level.”

Speaking to our correspondent in a telephone interview, a productivity expert, Ms Ijeoma Orji, described the extension as “shocking”.

She said, “Just last week, we observed one holiday for Easter. This week again, we are observing another 3 days. How will a nation move forward like this?

“In advanced countries where people are expected to pay their taxes regularly, they don’t go on holidays like this. I was very shocked when I heard about the extension.”