Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30, as public holidays to give residents enough time to prepare for the November 1 local government elections.
The governor’s decision was contained in a statement released on Tuesday, October 28, by the Information Officer in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Tanko Lawal.
He explained that the directive came from the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman.
According to Usman, the work-free days were introduced to allow eligible voters to travel to their polling units and participate in the election.
“A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, stated that the work-free days are intended to provide all eligible voters the opportunity to go to their respective polling units and cast their votes in the elections,” Lawal stated.
He said all markets, banks, financial institutions, and public offices would remain closed during the holidays.
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Movement of persons and vehicles would also be restricted, except for those on essential duties.
Usman urged residents to take the election seriously by coming out in large numbers to vote.
“Government is encouraging citizens to come out en masse and perform their civic responsibilities on Saturday, 1st November, 2025,” he said.
“This election provides yet another opportunity for Nigerlites to elect capable leaders who will champion development and represent our collective interests at the grassroots level,” he added.
Usman also noted that Governor Bago had instructed all security agencies to maintain peace and ensure the polls are conducted in an orderly manner.
“Bago has directed all security agencies in the State to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, reaffirming the government’s commitment to guaranteeing a safe and hitch-free electoral process,” Usman stated.