The Federal Government has commenced preparations for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with a low-key celebration scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee established to coordinate the anniversary activities held its inaugural meeting on Thursday and unveiled a programme covering events from September 24 to Independence Day.

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

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The Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the SGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

According to the programme, activities will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by religious services, a public lecture and the President’s traditional Independence Day broadcast.

Nigeria Unveils 66th Independence Anniversary Programme

The World Press Conference is scheduled for September 24, while the Juma’at Service will take place on Friday, September 25.

A Church Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, with an Independence Day Public Lecture planned for Wednesday, September 30.

The anniversary will culminate on October 1 with a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

He also noted that the progress recorded since independence was built on the foundation established by the country’s nationalists.

According to the SGF, the occasion would also allow the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and ongoing efforts to reposition the country through various reform initiatives.

He acknowledged that the anniversary was taking place amid socio-economic challenges affecting Nigerians, but said the celebration would provide an avenue to reflect on the country’s journey since independence.

The SGF urged members of the inter-ministerial committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1.

He said the committee had been given responsibility for planning, organising and executing all activities approved for the 66th Independence Anniversary.

Committee Members and Responsibilities

The committee is chaired by the SGF and includes several senior government officials responsible for coordinating different aspects of the anniversary programme.

Among its members are 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; and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, is also part of the committee.

Permanent Secretaries and security officials serving on the committee 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; and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, John Chidiebere Ezeamama.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, are also members.

The committee has the authority to co-opt individuals or organisations considered relevant to the successful execution of the anniversary programme.

It is also expected to document the activities surrounding the celebration for future reference and undertake any additional assignments required to ensure the approved programme is successfully implemented.

The Federal Government’s decision to hold a low-key celebration means the focus of this year’s anniversary will be on the approved official activities rather than an elaborate national ceremony.

As preparations continue, the committee is expected to coordinate government ministries, agencies and other stakeholders ahead of the October 1 anniversary.

The event will mark 66 years since Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and will culminate with President Tinubu’s nationwide address to Nigerians.