BREAKING: FG Plans Low-Key 66th Independence Celebration for Nigerians

• President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1 as the Federal Government prepares a low-key programme to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

President Bola Tinubu is set to address Nigerians on October 1 as the Federal Government unveils plans for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation following the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee charged with organising activities for the anniversary in Abuja.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who urged members to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before the October 1 celebration.

Akume, represented at the inaugural meeting by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Warrens, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders.

He said the achievements recorded since Nigeria gained independence in 1960 were built on the foundation laid by the nationalists who worked for the country’s independence from colonial rule.

According to the SGF, the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for the government to highlight its reforms and efforts to reposition the country amid the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians.

However, he stressed that this year’s activities would be conducted on a low-key basis.

The programme of activities will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24.

A Juma’at Service is scheduled for September 25, followed by an Interdenominational Church Service on September 27.

An Independence Day Public Lecture will take place on September 30, while President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast is scheduled for October 1.

The Federal Government has not indicated that the President’s broadcast will be limited to any particular subject, but it will form a major part of the official programme marking the 66th anniversary.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes several senior government officials, with Akume as chairman.

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; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

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

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya; and other senior officials are also members of the committee.

The committee is responsible for planning, organising and executing the approved activities for the anniversary. It may also co-opt relevant organisations or individuals and document the proceedings for future reference.

Akume urged members to work quickly to ensure the successful implementation of the programme ahead of October 1.

The 2026 celebration will mark 66 years since Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, with the Federal Government choosing a more restrained programme of activities this year.