By George Omagbemi
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on Wednesday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The minister congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad and urged citizens to use the anniversary to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, making Thursday’s celebration the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Federal Government has announced a low-key programme for this year’s anniversary, including religious services and an Independence Day public lecture.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1 as part of the anniversary programme. The government had earlier announced the theme as “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
The holiday will give Nigerians across the country an opportunity to mark the anniversary and reflect on the nation’s 66-year journey since independence.
The declaration was contained in an official ministry statement, not a speech. A separate World Press Conference on the anniversary was held in Abuja on September 24.
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