The Federal Government has begun preparations for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu expected to address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026.

The government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the anniversary programme, which officials say will be marked with a series of activities leading to the Independence Day celebration.

The inaugural meeting of the committee was held on Thursday and chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chris Ugwuegbulam, said the committee had been given the responsibility of ensuring the smooth execution of the approved programme.

Addressing members of the committee, Akume described the anniversary as an important moment for Nigerians to reflect on the struggles, sacrifices and contributions of the men and women who played key roles in the country’s journey to independence.

He said the progress Nigeria has recorded since gaining independence was built on the foundation laid by the nation’s founding nationalists, adding that the anniversary provides an opportunity to honour their legacy while reflecting on the country’s journey.

Beyond commemorating the past, the 66th anniversary will also provide an avenue for the Federal Government to highlight some of its ongoing reforms and showcase what it considers achievements of the Tinubu administration amid the socio-economic difficulties facing the country.

However, Akume said this year’s celebration would be relatively low-key, stressing that members of the committee must work with urgency because of the limited period remaining before October 1.

The programme will officially begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25. A Church Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, while an Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on Wednesday, September 30.

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The activities will culminate on Thursday, October 1, with President Tinubu’s nationwide Independence Day broadcast to Nigerians.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee brings together senior government officials and security chiefs, reflecting the broad range of responsibilities involved in organising the anniversary.

Among those on the committee 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; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Also included are the 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.

Other members include senior officials from the State House, Federal Government ministries and departments, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya.

According to the SGF, the committee is expected to plan, organise and execute all approved activities for the anniversary while working with relevant organisations and individuals where necessary.

It is also mandated to properly document the events and undertake any additional responsibilities required to ensure that the 66th Independence Anniversary programme is successfully implemented.

With the countdown to October 1 already underway, the government’s emphasis on a low-key celebration signals a departure from more elaborate anniversary programmes, while the President’s national broadcast is expected to provide the central official message marking Nigeria’s 66 years of independence.