The Federal Government has set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to organise Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026, as the centrepiece of a deliberately low-key celebration.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation announced the development on Friday in a statement by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information and Public Relations. The committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday under the chairmanship of Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, who was represented by Permanent Secretary (Political and Economic Affairs) Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
Akume described the anniversary as a moment for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines who secured independence from colonial rule. He said the administration would also use the occasion to highlight its reform efforts and achievements amid ongoing socio-economic challenges. He stressed, however, that this year’s activities would be low-key and urged the committee to work quickly given the short time remaining before October 1.
The approved programme begins with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by a Juma’at service on Friday, September 25, a church service on Sunday, September 27, and an Independence Day Public Lecture on Wednesday, September 30. The nationwide presidential broadcast is scheduled for Thursday, October 1.
Committee 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, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and several presidential special advisers and permanent secretaries. Security chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, are also members.
The committee’s terms of reference cover planning and executing all approved anniversary activities, co-opting relevant organisations or individuals, documenting the events, and carrying out any other tasks needed for a successful commemoration.
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