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President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians on October 1, 2026, as the Federal Government prepares a low-key programme to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the anniversary activities, with the committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was represented at its inaugural meeting 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 independence from colonial rule.
He also said the celebration would allow the administration to showcase its achievements and highlight its reform efforts against the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
The SGF, however, directed the committee to keep this year’s activities low-key and work with urgency because of the limited time before October 1.
The programme will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25 and a Church Service on September 27.
An Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for September 30, while the programme will culminate in President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.
The committee comprises senior government officials, including 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 presidential advisers.
Other members include the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Commander of the Guards Brigade and permanent secretaries from key government ministries and offices.
The committee is mandated to plan and execute the approved Independence Day activities, co-opt relevant individuals and organisations where necessary, document the events and undertake other assignments required for the successful implementation of the October 1 programme.
