The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared both Thursday 1 January and Friday, 2 January 2015 as public holiday.
Friday is meant to mark Eid el Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammed.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Makaji Abdulahi, Moro urged Muslim faithful and all Nigerians to pray for the peace and unity of the country.
The Federal Government had earlier declared January 1, 2015 as public holiday to mark the New Year.