President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to address Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 7 a.m. as the country marks its 66th Independence anniversary. The address will be broadcast nationwide, with television and radio stations directed to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). This was announced by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The Independence Day address comes as Nigerians observe the anniversary of the country's independence from British colonial rule. Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. To mark the occasion, the Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, a public holiday. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th anniversary. He urged citizens to reflect on the country's journey since independence and highlighted Nigeria's diversity, human resources, and natural resources. The minister described the country's warmth, welcoming spirit, and love as qualities that make it "unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world."
Tunji-Ojo also described Nigeria as a beacon of hope under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and stressed the importance of peace and stability to the country's development. According to him, peace and stability are necessary conditions for the development of any nation. He called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the country's founding fathers by demonstrating patriotism and contributing to the development of a country that future generations would be proud of.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to delivering a better country through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the administration would ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to the country's heroes past. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful co-existence, and mutual respect.
Tinubu's Independence Day address will also be his first major national broadcast following his return to Nigeria after a working vacation in Europe. The President departed Nigeria on August 30 for London before proceeding to Paris, France, where he continued his engagements. The address is expected to be a significant event in the country's celebration of its 66th Independence anniversary.
The Federal Government's commitment to national security, public safety, and creating an environment where citizens can pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence was also reiterated by the minister. He added that a new Nigeria is achievable, and the government would continue to focus on these areas to ensure a better future for all citizens.
Key points
- President Tinubu will address Nigerians on October 1, 2026, at 7 a.m. to mark the country's 66th Independence anniversary.
- The Federal Government has declared October 1 a public holiday to mark the occasion.
- Tinubu's address will be his first major national broadcast following his return to Nigeria after a working vacation in Europe.
