Independence: Embassies, Consulates Announce Closures as FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday

• Nigeria's Federal Government declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Independence Day
• The announcement came from the Ministry of Interior, with Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani signing the official statement
• Embassies and consulates across Nigeria are expected to adjust their operations in line with the work-free day

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has a decade of experience in education and public affairs journalism, with extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s education sector, public policy, governance, and issues affecting students, teachers, and communities.

FCT, Abuja - Nigeria's Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Independence Day, an official national work-free day celebrated every year to commemorate the country's freedom from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani signed the official statement on Wednesday, September 30, on behalf of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirming that the holiday would apply to government offices, learning institutions, and formal-sector organisations across the country.

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Diplomatic missions in Nigeria are among the institutions expected to observe the holiday.

Members of the public with appointments at embassies or consulates on Thursday, October 1, should confirm their schedules and make alternative arrangements where necessary.

See below the U.S. Mission Nigeria’s X post confirming the closure of its offices for the public holiday:

Independence Day 2026: Nigerians urged to unite

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary, urging citizens to use the occasion to demonstrate unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

He called on Nigerians to emulate the nation’s founding fathers by demonstrating love for the country and working towards building a Nigeria that future generations would be proud of.

He said in a statement shared on the Ministry of Interior's official X page:

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built."

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Furthermore, the minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens can live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

Tunji-Ojo promises better Nigeria for all

The Minister reassured that this administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to the country’s heroes past.

He urged citizens to use the Independence celebration as an opportunity to demonstrate the values of unity, patriotism, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.

Read more on public holidays

• US Embassy lists days it will close its offices in Nigeria
• Saudi Arabia, Sultan confirm date for new Islamic calendar year 1447 AH
• Holiday confirmed in South Africa

Holiday: Banks announce branch closures

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian banks, including Access Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Zenith Bank, will shut their physical branches across the country on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Stanbic IBTC informed customers that its branches would be closed on Thursday, October 1, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Source: Legit.ng