A cross-section of Nigerians, on Tuesday criticized 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.
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.
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.
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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.”
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.”
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