President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026, as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Federal Government disclosed this following the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for coordinating activities for the anniversary.
The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented at the inaugural meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
According to the SGF, this year’s anniversary will provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and heroines who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
He added that the celebration would also provide an avenue for the administration to highlight its achievements and ongoing reform efforts in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
However, the Federal Government has directed that activities marking the 66th anniversary should be low-key, with the committee expected to work with urgency ahead of October 1.
The programme of activities is scheduled to begin with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25.
A Church Service will hold on September 27, while an Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for September 30.
The activities will culminate in President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on October 1.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Information and National Orientation, Interior, Foreign Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory and Budget and Economic Planning, alongside the National Security Adviser and other senior government officials.
The committee has been mandated to plan and execute the approved anniversary activities, involve relevant organisations and individuals where necessary, document the events and undertake other assignments required for the successful implementation of the programme.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, and the date has since been observed annually as the country’s Independence Day.
