Nigeria at 66: Tinubu to address Nigerians October 1, as FG announces low-key celebration

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026.

The Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Chris Ugwuegbulam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday and was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and legacies of the country’s founding fathers and heroines who fought for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule.

He noted that the progress recorded since independence was built on the foundation laid by the nation’s nationalists.

The SGF added that the celebration would also provide an opportunity for the administration to showcase its achievements and highlight ongoing efforts to reposition the country through its reform initiatives amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.

However, Akume said this year’s activities would be low-key and urged members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1.

The programme will commence with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

This will be followed by a Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25, and a Church Service on Sunday, September 27.

An Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Tinubu will deliver the traditional nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises the SGF as Chairman and several ministers, presidential aides and senior government officials.

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.

Also on the committee are the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Other members include the Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Peter Fashedemi; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

The committee’s Terms of Reference include planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the October 1 celebration.

It is also mandated to co-opt organisations or individuals considered relevant to the successful execution of the programme, document the activities for posterity and undertake any other assignment necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the anniversary programme.

The 2026 Independence Anniversary will mark 66 years since Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

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