FG DECLARES THURSDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR NIGERIA’S 66TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, on Wednesday.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary and urged citizens to use the occasion to demonstrate unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.

He also called on Nigerians to emulate the country’s founding fathers by demonstrating love for the nation and working towards building a Nigeria that future generations would be proud of.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety, and creating an environment where citizens could live, work, and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

The 66th Independence Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”

As part of security arrangements for the celebrations, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, said it had deployed 3,000 personnel across the Federal Capital.

Tinubu to address Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on Thursday as part of activities marking the anniversary.

The President returned to Lagos on Tuesday after concluding his working vacation in Europe. According to the Presidency, he will attend the premiere of a movie honouring the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Lagos, on Independence Day.

Tinubu is also expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the Presidency said.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the country’s first Prime Minister.

The country became a republic in 1963, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as its first President.

Nigeria subsequently experienced periods of military rule, including the Civil War, before returning to democratic rule in 1999.

The 2026 anniversary therefore marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence and 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy.