By Ado Ibrahim, Abuja
The Federal Government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, with the 2026 celebration scheduled to be conducted on a low-key basis.
The committee was inaugurated on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Abuja, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, serving as its chairman.
Represented at the inaugural meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, Akume said the anniversary would offer Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.
He noted that Nigeria’s development since independence was founded on the efforts of the nationalists who fought for the country’s freedom from colonial rule, stressing the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960.
The SGF also said the anniversary would provide an avenue for the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country in the face of prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Akume directed members of the committee to work with urgency because of the limited time available before the October 1 anniversary, while emphasising that this year’s activities would be low-key.
According to the programme announced at the meeting, the celebration will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by the Juma’at Service on Friday, September 25.
A Church Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, while the Independence Day Public Lecture will hold on Wednesday, September 30. The programme will culminate in a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
Others are the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare.
The committee further comprises the Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Ms. Kachollom Daju; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu; Director-General, Department of State Services, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya; and Permanent Secretary, PEAO, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
The committee is mandated to plan, organise and execute approved activities for the October 1 celebration, co-opt relevant organisations or individuals where necessary, document the anniversary activities for posterity and undertake other assignments required for the successful implementation of the programme.
