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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Photo: OSGF |
The Federal Government has decided on a modest programme of activities for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on 1 October 2026.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast that day, according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation released on Friday.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been set up to organise the events in Abuja. The committee is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume. He was represented at the inauguration by Permanent Secretary Bekearedebo Warrens of the Political and Economic Affairs Office.
Akume described the anniversary as a moment for Nigerians to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who fought for independence from colonial rule in 1960. He noted that the foundations laid by those nationalists continue to support the country’s progress. The occasion, he added, also gives the current administration a chance to highlight its reform efforts while acknowledging the socio-economic difficulties many citizens face.
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The government has directed that celebrations remain low-key. Committee members were urged to work quickly because of the limited time remaining before 1 October.
Planned activities include:
• World Press Conference – 24 September
• Juma’at Service – 25 September
• Interdenominational Church Service – 27 September
• Independence Day Public Lecture – 30 September
• President’s nationwide broadcast – 1 October
Key members of the committee include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun (listed in some reports as Taiwo Oyedele in error in earlier drafts), 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 serving are National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Special Adviser 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 Kayode Egbetokun (or the currently serving IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services Adeola Ajayi, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade, among other senior officials.
This continues a recent pattern in which Independence Day observances have been scaled back in response to economic pressures. Previous years under the same administration also featured simplified programmes rather than large public spectacles.
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