[Nigeria] Workers take 41 days leave and public holidays off per annum

In Nigeria, a new analysis of public holidays and official leave days as a percentage of total available workdays in a year has revealed that the country’s workforce spends approximately 15.7 per cent of its time away from work, Nairametrics reports.

The leave review - conducted by Nairametrics Research - relied on officially declared public holidays and statutory annual leave entitlements.

In a typical calendar year with 261 potential working days excluding weekends, Nigerians are reportedly entitled to between 41 and 46 days off.

The leave days include public holidays, annual leave, and sick leave, as stipulated by labour regulations and employment contracts.

The estimate excludes workers engaged in essential services such as healthcare, security, emergency response, and those in shift-based roles, who may not observe all national holidays or who work on rotational schedules that reduce or redistribute time off.

As Nigeria continues navigating the complexities of economic recovery, youth unemployment, and increasing global competitiveness, the volume of time spent off work has reportedly provoked heated boardroom debates and policy roundtables.

But for the average Nigerian worker, such breaks are not just welcome, they are necessary. Holidays and leave are deeply ingrained in the socio-cultural and religious fabric of the nation.

Holidays including Eid, Easter, Christmas, and Democracy Day are observed nationwide and often serve as periods of rest, family reunions, and communal activities. These pauses, while seemingly disruptive to productivity, are considered essential for both cultural cohesion and worker rejuvenation.

The 41 days of rest include:

• Christmas Holidays (Dec 25 and 26): 2 days (Christmas Day & Boxing Day)

• New Year (Jan 1): 1 day

• Easter Holidays: 2 days (Good Friday and Easter Monday)

• Muslim Holidays: 5 days (Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, and associated days)

• Democracy Day (June 12): 1 day

• Labour Day (May 1): 1 day

• Independence Day (October 1): 1 day

• Annual Leave (Statutory): 20-28 days

• Sick Leave (Approximate): 5 days

Workers are also entitled to approximately 5 days of annual sick leave, though not all employees take full advantage of this provision. Leading to a total of 41 to 46 days off, depending on the number of sick leave days permitted or taken.

Some business leaders have reportedly expressed concern over the volume and distribution of public holidays, particularly when they fall mid-week and disrupt operations. However, data from surveys and academic research suggest that the majority of Nigerian workers value these breaks and find them integral to wellbeing.

Source: Nairametrics

In Nigeria, a new analysis of public holidays and official leave days as a percentage of total available workdays in a year has revealed that the country’s workforce spends approximately 15.7 per cent of its time away from work, Nairametrics reports.

The leave review - conducted by Nairametrics Research - relied on officially declared public holidays and statutory annual leave entitlements.

In a typical calendar year with 261 potential working days excluding weekends, Nigerians are reportedly entitled to between 41 and 46 days off.

The leave days include public holidays, annual leave, and sick leave, as stipulated by labour regulations and employment contracts.

The estimate excludes workers engaged in essential services such as healthcare, security, emergency response, and those in shift-based roles, who may not observe all national holidays or who work on rotational schedules that reduce or redistribute time off.

As Nigeria continues navigating the complexities of economic recovery, youth unemployment, and increasing global competitiveness, the volume of time spent off work has reportedly provoked heated boardroom debates and policy roundtables.

But for the average Nigerian worker, such breaks are not just welcome, they are necessary. Holidays and leave are deeply ingrained in the socio-cultural and religious fabric of the nation.

Holidays including Eid, Easter, Christmas, and Democracy Day are observed nationwide and often serve as periods of rest, family reunions, and communal activities. These pauses, while seemingly disruptive to productivity, are considered essential for both cultural cohesion and worker rejuvenation.

The 41 days of rest include:

• Christmas Holidays (Dec 25 and 26): 2 days (Christmas Day & Boxing Day)

• New Year (Jan 1): 1 day

• Easter Holidays: 2 days (Good Friday and Easter Monday)

• Muslim Holidays: 5 days (Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, and associated days)

• Democracy Day (June 12): 1 day

• Labour Day (May 1): 1 day

• Independence Day (October 1): 1 day

• Annual Leave (Statutory): 20-28 days

• Sick Leave (Approximate): 5 days

Workers are also entitled to approximately 5 days of annual sick leave, though not all employees take full advantage of this provision. Leading to a total of 41 to 46 days off, depending on the number of sick leave days permitted or taken.

Some business leaders have reportedly expressed concern over the volume and distribution of public holidays, particularly when they fall mid-week and disrupt operations. However, data from surveys and academic research suggest that the majority of Nigerian workers value these breaks and find them integral to wellbeing.

Source: Nairametrics