FG Inaugurates Committee for Nigeria's 66th Independence Day

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for coordinating the commemoration of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the committee, performed the inauguration ceremony.

Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Mrs Bekearedebo Warren, urged committee members to ensure that the enduring legacies of the nation's founding fathers and heroines are reflected throughout the celebrations. He said the anniversary offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices, and lasting legacies of those who fought for the country's independence from colonial rule.

According to Akume, the achievements Nigeria has recorded since independence were built on the foundation laid by the nation's early nationalists. He stressed the importance of honouring their sacrifices while reflecting on the country's journey since October 1, 1960, adding that the anniversary would also provide the current administration an opportunity to showcase its achievements and highlight ongoing reform efforts aimed at repositioning the country amid existing socio-economic challenges.

Low-Key Celebrations Planned

Akume disclosed that activities marking this year's anniversary would be low-key, urging committee members to work with urgency given the limited time remaining before October 1. According to him, the programme of activities will kick off with a World Press Conference on September 24, followed by a Juma'at Service on September 25, a Church Service on September 27, an Independence Day Public Lecture on September 30, and a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on October 1.

Committee Composition

The committee comprises the SGF as Chairman, alongside the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as members.

Other members include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu. The committee also includes the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman, and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, among others.

Terms of Reference

Akume said the committee's Terms of Reference include planning, organising, and executing all approved activities for the October 1, 2026 Independence Day celebration. He noted that the committee has also been mandated to co-opt organisations or individuals deemed relevant to the successful execution of the programme, and to document the planned activities for posterity.

Other responsibilities, he added, include undertaking any additional assignments required to ensure the successful implementation of the celebration.