The Niger State government has announced a two-day public holiday to allow residents to prepare for and participate fully in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025.
In a statement released late Tuesday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, confirmed that Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, have been declared work-free across the state.
He said the decision was made to ensure that all eligible voters have ample time to travel to their respective polling units and exercise their democratic rights.
According to the statement, all government offices, markets, banks, and financial institutions will remain closed during the voting period.
Usman added that movement would be restricted on election day, except for individuals on essential duties such as healthcare workers, security personnel, and election officials.
“The government is calling on all citizens to come out in large numbers and peacefully participate in the forthcoming local council elections,” Usman said.
“This is another opportunity for Nigerlites to choose leaders who will represent their interests and drive development at the grassroots level.”
He further disclosed that Governor Umar Bago has directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and maintain order before, during, and after the polls.
“We are determined to ensure a safe, transparent, and credible election process,” the SSG emphasised.
Meanwhile, political parties and candidates contesting in the local government elections have signed a peace accord to promote unity and prevent electoral violence.
The signing, held on Monday, October 27, at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna, was facilitated by the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the accord demonstrated the command’s ongoing partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders.
“Our goal is to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere where the will of the people prevails,” he stated.
With the work-free days declared and security arrangements in place, the Niger State government says it is confident that the November 1 polls will mark another milestone in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.