The Federal Government has unveiled a low-key programme for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with activities leading to October 1 featuring a World Press Conference, religious services, a public lecture and a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The programme was announced following the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for coordinating activities for the 66th Independence Anniversary in Abuja. The Federal Government said the celebration would be conducted on a conservative scale.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria will mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026.
- The Federal Government has opted for a low-key celebration.
- Activities will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24.
- A Juma’at Service is scheduled for September 25, followed by a Church Service on September 27.
- An Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on September 30.
- President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1.
- An Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by SGF George Akume will coordinate the anniversary activities.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the anniversary programme would focus on the contributions, sacrifices and legacies of Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines.
Akume, who was represented at the committee’s inauguration by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, directed members to work with urgency because of the limited time available before the October 1 anniversary.
He said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence on October 1, 1960, while honouring the nationalists who contributed to the country’s independence.
Akume also said the occasion would provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to highlight its programmes, reforms and achievements. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is coordinating the anniversary preparations.
Programme of Events
The official activities will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
A Juma’at Service is scheduled for Friday, September 25, while a Church Service will take place on Sunday, September 27.
The programme will continue with an Independence Day Public Lecture on Wednesday, September 30, ahead of President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.
The Federal Government has described the programme as conservative, with the 2026 celebration centred largely on official, religious and intellectual activities rather than large-scale public festivities.
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Inter-Ministerial Committee
The Inter-Ministerial Committee is chaired by the SGF and includes senior government officials from various ministries, departments and security agencies.
Members include 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; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Other members include 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 Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya.
According to Akume, the committee is responsible for planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the 66th Independence Anniversary.
The committee may also co-opt organisations and individuals considered relevant to the successful implementation of the anniversary programme.
Nigeria became independent from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The 2026 celebration will mark 66 years of independence. For more updates, follow us on X.
