By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day celebration in Abuja, ahead of October 1, 2026. The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, will organise the anniversary activities. The government said the celebration will remain low-key while honouring Nigeria’s founding fathers and reflecting on the nation’s journey since independence.
FG Plans Low-Key Independence Day Celebration
Akume inaugurated the committee during its inaugural meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Abuja.
However, the SGF was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
Akume said the 66th Independence Anniversary offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history.
He also highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines.
According to him, their efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule.
The SGF noted that Nigerians must remember those contributions while assessing the country’s journey since October 1, 1960.
Government to Highlight National Achievements
Akume said the anniversary would also showcase some achievements of the present administration.
He said the government would highlight ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country.
The planned activities will take place against the backdrop of Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Akume urged committee members to work with urgency because October 1 is approaching.
He also stressed that the government would keep this year’s Independence Day celebration low-key.
Programme for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary
The Federal Government has scheduled several activities ahead of the October 1 anniversary.
The programme will 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 will then hold on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Furthermore, the government will organise an Independence Day Public Lecture on Wednesday, September 30.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Members of Independence Day Committee
The committee includes the SGF as Chairman and several senior government officials.
Members include:
- 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
- National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
- Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman
- Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga
- Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare
Other members include Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Peter Fashedemi.
The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, is also a member.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju, will participate as well.
Other members include Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, John Chidiebere Ezeamama.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu is also part of the committee.
Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is another member.
Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, also serves on the committee.
The Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, completes the listed membership.
Committee’s Terms of Reference
The Inter-Ministerial Committee has several responsibilities ahead of the anniversary.
First, it will plan, organise and execute all approved Independence Day activities.
It will also co-opt relevant organisations and individuals where necessary.
In addition, the committee will document the anniversary activities for posterity.
The committee will also handle other assignments required for the successful implementation of the celebration.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
Therefore, the 66th anniversary will provide another opportunity to reflect on the country’s national journey.
The Federal Government has consequently urged committee members to work together and deliver the approved programme within the available timeframe.
