MarketingMarch is one of those months that quietly carries a lot of meaning in Nigeria. It is widely regarded as Women’s Month, a time when conversations around women’s appreciation, empowerment, and impact naturally come to the forefront.
But beyond being Women’s Month, March also includes cultural and religious observances that offer people an opportunity to spend time with loved ones.
This calendar brings those dates together in one place, so you can stay aware and prepared as the month unfolds.
| Date | Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 8 | International Women’s Day (IWD) | Observance | |
| March 15 | Mothering Sunday | Christian Observance | March is Women’s Month in Nigeria |
| March 20 | Eid-El-Fitr (Tentative) | Muslim Observance | Nationwide |
| March 21 | Eid-El-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) | Public Holiday | |
| March 20/21 | Durbar Festival (Tentative) | Cultural Observance | Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi, Bida, Kazaure, and Ilorin. |
Note: Islamic holiday dates are tentative and subject to moon sighting confirmations by the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
What Makes These March Dates Important (and How People Celebrate Them)
International Women’s Day — March 8
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and impact. In Nigeria, it’s widely embraced across corporate, religious, and social spaces.
Corporate organisations often use the day to spotlight women, host panel discussions, or celebrate female employees with thoughtful gestures and gifts.
Brands and corporate organisations often opt for symbolic gifts that capture the essence of International Women’s Day and outlive the day, such as IWD figurines.
Meta4’s IWD figurine, Lady Flora, is a customizable keepsake that is designed to capture the IWD 2026 theme, “Give to Gain.”
See Our IWD 2026 Figurine: Lady Flora
Mothers’ Day or Mothering Sunday — March 15
Mothering Sunday carries a special emotional weight, particularly within church communities.
During services, mothers are acknowledged and celebrated. In many homes, it’s less about extravagance and more about appreciation through meaningful gifts that don’t feel regular but instead reflect thoughtfulness and emotional connection.
Coming shortly after International Women’s Day, the timing also encourages more thoughtful gifting. Many people opt for lasting keepsakes, such as IWD figurines, that can meaningfully honour women across both moments rather than treating them as separate celebrations.
Eid-el-Fitri — March 20 & 21
Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims across Nigeria. Families gather to pray, share meals, exchange gifts, and visit loved ones.
Although tentative, depending on the moon sighting, Eid-el-Fitr, which is slated for March 20, and the next day are often declared public holidays.
For many Muslims, Eid is not just a religious holiday; it’s a time to strengthen bonds, reconnect with community, and create memories.
Durbar Festival — March 21
The Durbar Festival, usually celebrated twice a year to mark the end of Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir, is one of Nigeria’s most visually striking cultural events.
Held in major northern cities like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi, Bida, Kazaure, and Ilorin, it features colourful horse processions, traditional attire, drumming, and displays of royal pageantry.
Conclusion
March moves quickly, but it offers simple opportunities to pause and acknowledge people who are often celebrated quietly, if at all.
When these days are approached with intention, whether through words, time, or something meaningful to hold onto, they tend to linger long after the dates have passed.
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