By Samuel Olisegun Precious
The Federal Government has announced a low-key celebration for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026.
This is coming amid the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the country. Tinubu is currently on holiday in France while Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly.
Both are expected back in the country this weekend.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the anniversary, said the decision for a modest celebration was in line with current realities, but stressed that the country must still reflect on its journey since 1960.
According to Akume, the anniversary is an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and to showcase the achievements of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Line-up of activities:
The government has lined up five major activities:Thursday, September 24: World Press Conference at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja
Friday, September 25: Special Juma’at Service at the National Mosque, Abuja by 1pm
Sunday, September 27: Inter-denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja by 10am
Wednesday, September 30: Independence Anniversary Public Lecture in AbujaThursday, October 1: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast by 7am
There will be no elaborate parade at Eagle Square this year, following the same low-key approach adopted for the 2026 Democracy Day in June.
Members of the anniversary committee include Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and presidential spokespersons Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare, among others.
