President Bola Tinubu is expected to address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1 as the Federal Government prepares a low-key programme to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The announcement followed the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with coordinating activities for the 2026 celebration. The committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Akume, who was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the nationalists who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
He added that the occasion would also allow the government to highlight its achievements and ongoing reforms as it works to address the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
However, Akume directed the committee to keep this year’s activities low-key and urged members to work with urgency because of the limited time available before October 1.
The official 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 celebrations will culminate with Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.
The Inter-Ministerial 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.
The National Security Adviser, presidential advisers and senior security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and Director-General of the Department of State Services, are also members of the committee.
The committee has been mandated to plan and execute the approved anniversary activities, involve relevant organisations or individuals where necessary, document the events and undertake other assignments required for the successful delivery of the programme.
The October 1 broadcast will form the central national engagement of this year’s Independence Day programme as Nigeria prepares to mark 66 years of independence.
