ABUJA — The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Congratulating Nigerians both within the country and across the diaspora, the Minister urged citizens to utilize the historic occasion to reinforce national unity, civic patriotism, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect across geopolitical zones.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that social stability and communal peace remain indispensable prerequisites for sustained economic growth and institutional development, encouraging the populace to draw inspiration from the vision and perseverance of the nation’s founding fathers.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to bolstering internal security infrastructure, protecting civil rights, and creating an enabling environment for economic prosperity, while expressing optimism that Nigeria’s cultural and regional diversity will continue to serve as a bedrock for national strength.
