Reflections on Public Holidays and Productivity in Nigeria

Public holidays are periods set aside by nations or states to observe particular events like national days, independence anniversary or religious festivals. These days are different from the usual periods of statutory leave or vacation provided for workers in the collective agreement or rule of engagement at the point of entry. These periods of leave enjoyed by workers include annual vacation, casual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave and others as may be recognized within an establishment. Individual worker's period of leave is personal and at the discretion of the worker or the organization as the case may be, but public holidays involve the stoppage of work by the entire workforce within the period it would last. Nigeria observes many public holidays some of which, at times, are unplanned for by the people. This has attracted arguments for and against on the basis that these holidays are too many and detrimental to productivity and the national economy. Using secondary data, this paper examines the issue and opines that there is the need to review these public holidays with a view to halting their negative effects on the nation's economy. Also, measures to manage these holidays in line with constitutional provisions are espoused.