The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to organise Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations, with events set to climax in a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on October 1, 2026.
Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), disclosed this in a statement issued Friday in Abuja.
He said the committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
Akume said the anniversary offers Nigerians a chance to reflect on the contributions and legacies of the nation’s founding fathers and heroines, noting that the country’s post-independence achievements were built on the foundation they laid.
He added that the celebration would also give the administration an opportunity to showcase its achievements and reform efforts, even as the country grapples with socio-economic challenges.
The SGF stressed that this year’s celebration would be low-key, and urged committee members to work quickly given the limited time before October 1.
According to him, the programme opens with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25, a Church Service on Sunday, September 27, an Independence Day Public Lecture on Wednesday, September 30, and Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.
Committee members include Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele; Information Minister Mohammed Idris; Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination Hadiza Bala Usman; and Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
Also on the committee are Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare; State House Permanent Secretary Temitope Peter Fashedemi; General Services Office Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Kachollom Daju; Cabinet Affairs Office Permanent Secretary John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu; DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Guards Brigade Commander Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and PEAO Permanent Secretary Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
The SGF said the committee’s mandate covers planning, organising and executing all approved Independence Day activities; co-opting relevant organisations or individuals; documenting the events for posterity; and carrying out any other assignment needed to ensure a successful celebration.
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