Again Tinubu Proposes Low-Key 66th Independence Day, Dedicates National Event For The Elites

By Paul Joseph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has again opted for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the October 1 national event centred on official ceremonies, religious services, a public lecture and a presidential broadcast rather than a major public celebration.

The Federal Government disclosed the plan during the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee saddled with coordinating activities for the 66th Independence Anniversary in Abuja.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the anniversary activities would be “conservative,” with the government focusing on reflecting on the sacrifices and legacies of Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines.

Akume, who was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, directed members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time remaining before October 1.

The SGF said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to remember the nationalists who fought for Nigeria’s independence and reflect on the country’s journey since October 1, 1960.

He also said the celebration would allow the Tinubu administration to showcase its achievements and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country amid prevailing socio-economic challenges.

The programme of activities is scheduled to begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

This will be 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.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1, marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The structure of the programme has drawn attention because of its limited public-facing activities, with the celebration largely built around official, religious and institutional engagements.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is chaired by the SGF and comprises senior government officials, including 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; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Other members include Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare; 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 other permanent secretaries and senior government officials.

According to Akume, the committee’s terms of reference include planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the 2026 Independence Day celebration.

The committee is also empowered to co-opt organisations or individuals considered relevant to the successful execution of the anniversary programme.