Nigeria Marks 66 Years of Independence as Tinubu Defends Reforms

In October 2026, Nigeria marked 66 years of independence. President Tinubu said the country had corrected its course and passed through a "Red Sea," describing the situation in 2023 as darker than ever and likening Nigeria to a cancer patient on morphine before his government took office. He declared an "age of prosperity" after three years of reforms and said the difficult reforms were over.

Other officials also spoke. Bamidele warned politicians against any ambition that could set Nigeria ablaze, Wike urged Nigerians to vote for leaders who will sustain infrastructure development, and a minister called for support for vulnerable Nigerians. Jonathan said the 2027 election will test the country's democratic maturity. Belarusian President Lukashenko sent Independence Day greetings to Nigeria.