The Federal Government says activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary will be low-key, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, disclosed this in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to coordinate the anniversary programme.
Akume, who chairs the committee, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to honour the sacrifices and legacies of the nationalists who fought for Nigeria’s independence, while reflecting on the country’s journey over the past 66 years.
He added that the occasion would also be used to highlight the Tinubu administration’s reform efforts and achievements against the backdrop of prevailing socio-economic challenges.
The SGF, who was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, urged members of the committee to work with urgency as preparations intensify ahead of October 1.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The 2026 commemoration will therefore mark 66 years of self-rule.
The Federal Government has scheduled five major activities for the anniversary, beginning with a World Press Conference on September 24.
A Juma’at service will follow on September 25, with a church service scheduled for September 27. An Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on September 30, ahead of the main anniversary on October 1, which will culminate in President Tinubu’s nationwide address.
The low-key approach mirrors the Federal Government’s decision to keep the 2026 Democracy Day commemoration modest, amid efforts to maintain focus on governance and national priorities.
The newly inaugurated committee comprises senior government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Information, Interior, Foreign Affairs, the FCT, and Budget and Economic Planning, alongside the National Security Adviser and senior presidential advisers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Commander of the Guards Brigade and several permanent secretaries are also members of the committee.
The committee is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing the approved anniversary activities. It may also co-opt individuals or organisations where necessary and is expected to document the events for national records and posterity.
