Nigeria declares October 1 holiday for 66th Independence anniversary

Nigeria’s Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the decision in a statement signed by Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani. He congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad and urged citizens to demonstrate unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The anniversary will be observed under the theme “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”. The government said the theme reflected its focus on consolidating reforms and improving opportunities and living conditions. Tunji-Ojo said the government remained committed to national security and public safety.

He also said Nigeria’s diversity was a source of strength and called for collective efforts to build a stronger country. The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had deployed 3,000 personnel for security arrangements connected with the anniversary. President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1.

He is also expected to attend a documentary premiere on Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos. Nigeria became independent from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as its first Prime Minister. The source material says the anniversary also marks 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy.