President Bola Tinubu is expected to address Nigerians on October 1, 2026, as the Federal Government prepares to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a low-key celebration.
The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the anniversary, with the programme scheduled to end with a nationwide broadcast by President Tinubu.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday and was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and legacies of the nation’s founding fathers and heroines who played roles in the struggle for independence.
He also said the occasion would enable the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and ongoing efforts to reposition the country through its reform programmes amid the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.
However, the SGF said this year’s activities would be low-key and urged members of the committee to work quickly because of the limited time remaining before October 1.
According to the programme, activities will begin with a World Press Conference on September 24.
This will be followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25, a Church Service on September 27 and an Independence Day Public Lecture on September 30.
The celebrations will conclude on October 1 with President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast to Nigerians.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes senior government officials such as 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; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Other members include the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; 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, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, and other senior officials are also members of the committee.
The committee is responsible for planning and executing approved activities for the 66th Independence Anniversary, involving relevant organisations or individuals where necessary, documenting the events and carrying out other assignments required for the successful celebration.
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