FG Declares October 1 Public Holiday As Nigeria Marks 65 Years Of Independence

The Federal Government has announced that Tuesday, October 1, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. The declaration, expected to be made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will officially be issued on behalf of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In commemoration of the milestone, President Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a national broadcast at 7:00 a.m. on October 1, highlighting his government’s reform agenda and reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since gaining independence in 1960.

The traditional Independence anniversary parade will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the participation of top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests. This year’s celebrations have been organized under the theme, “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

Preliminary events have already commenced, beginning with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on September 28. On September 29, civic engagement activities included a world press conference at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.

The week-long festivities will culminate on Friday, October 3, with the unveiling of the National Values Charter (NVC) and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate at the State House Conference Centre.