The Federal Government has announced plans for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026.
The plans were disclosed following the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee in Abuja to coordinate activities for the anniversary. The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Representing Akume at the committee’s inaugural meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders and heroines who worked for independence.
The Federal Government also intends to use the occasion to highlight Nigeria’s progress since independence and showcase some of the reforms and initiatives of the current administration against the backdrop of the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Akume directed members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1, while stressing that this year’s activities would be kept low-key.
The official programme will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24. This will be followed by a Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25, and an Interdenominational Church Service on Sunday, September 27.
An Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, ahead of the main anniversary on October 1, when President Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Also on the committee are National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, Director-General of the Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi and Commander of the Guards Brigade Adebisi Onasanya, alongside other senior government officials.
The committee has been tasked with planning, organising and executing the approved activities for the October 1 celebration, as well as bringing in other organisations or individuals considered necessary for the successful conduct of the anniversary programme.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The 2026 anniversary will therefore mark 66 years since independence.