Nigeria Declares October 1, 2026, Independence Day Holiday

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, as a public holiday in observance of Independence Day, commemorating the nation's freedom from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The announcement was made by Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani on September 30, 2026, on behalf of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

This holiday will apply to government offices, educational institutions, and formal-sector organizations throughout the country. Diplomatic missions, including the U.S.

Mission Nigeria, will also close for the holiday. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians and urged them to use the occasion to foster unity, patriotism, and mutual respect.

He reassured citizens of the government's commitment to enhancing national security and public safety, emphasizing the administration's goal of creating a better Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda. Additionally, banks such as Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, and Stanbic IBTC will close their physical branches on October 1 in observance of the holiday.