Independence Day is an annual public holiday in Nigeria observed on 1 October to mark the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. It is observed nationwide with official ceremonies, military parades, cultural displays, and public events. The holiday's origins are linked to Nigeria's constitutional developments under British colonial administration. Reforms in the 1940s and 1950s increased African participation in government and contributed to the rise of nationalist movements involving figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello. Following the 1959 federal election, a coalition government led by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa prepared the federation for independence. At midnight on 1 October 1960, the Union Jack was lowered in Lagos and replaced with Nigeria's green–white–green flag. Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Elizabeth II, presented the constitutional instruments of independence, Azikiwe was sworn in as Governor-General, and Balewa delivered a national address.
Since independence, the day has remained an important date in Nigeria's civic calendar. The President gives a national address, and state governments hold parades and cultural events. Nigerians abroad also organise celebrations in cities such as New York City, London, and Toronto. International partners often issue messages of goodwill. The anniversary has been affected by events such as the cancellation of celebrations in 1992 following a Nigerian Air Force C-130 crash, and the 2010 fiftieth-anniversary events in Abuja being disrupted by bombings near Eagle Square.
In preparation for independence, the federal government created an Independence Celebrations Committee chaired by the Minister of Labour and Internal Affairs, J. M. Johnson, with representatives from all regions of the federation.[9] The committee described its task as organising "the greatest day so far in the history of this Federation" and allocated a budget of £1million for decorations, festivals, and hospitality. British stage designer Beverley Pick was commissioned to produce visual displays drawing on traditional Nigerian art.[9] Preparations also included the construction of hotels and new facilities in Lagos to host foreign delegations and the international press. The schedule of festivities featured the West African Games, a military tattoo, fireworks, a water regatta, and a national rally at the Lagos Race Course.[9]
The formal transfer of power began shortly before midnight on 30 September 1960 at the Lagos Race Course, where a crowd of about 40,000 gathered.[10] Before tens of thousands of spectators, the Union Jack was lowered and Nigeria's new green–white–green flag was raised.[10]Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth II, read a message of goodwill from the monarch and formally presented the constitutional instruments of independence to Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.[11] At the same ceremony, Nnamdi Azikiwe was sworn in by the outgoing Governor-General Sir James Robertson as Nigeria's first indigenous Governor-General.[12] In his midnight broadcast, Balewa called for unity, loyalty, and dedication to democratic ideals, describing the occasion as both the culmination of Nigeria's colonial experience and the beginning of a new national era.[13]
Message to the People of the Federation of Nigeria on the Occasion of Their Independence, 1 October 1960
"On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I wish to extend to the Government and people of Nigeria heartiest congratulations on the occasion of their independence.
We in the United States have watched with sympathy and admiration the progress of the people of Nigeria toward this historic and welcome event which is the result of fruitful cooperation between the people of Nigeria and the Government and people of the United Kingdom. We are confident that this spirit of cooperation will inspire Nigeria's future relationships with all who hold freedom dear."
The ceremony was attended by international dignitaries, including United States Vice President Richard Nixon, British Colonial Secretary Iain Macleod, and Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd.[11][15] Delegations representing the Commonwealth, the United Nations, and several newly independent African and Asian states were also present.[12] Celebrations extended beyond the handover ceremony, with military parades, fireworks, a water regatta, school processions, and flag-raising events across the federation.[16] The Race Course and central Lagos were decorated with flags and illuminated displays, and crowds filled the capital for the festivities.[17]
Nigerian communities abroad also marked the occasion. In the United States, students in Minnesota organised a week of activities, including a football match, a dance at Coffman Memorial Union, and an independence dinner in Minneapolis.[15]
Significance and observance
Independence Day in Nigeria is observed with official ceremonies, cultural activities, and public gatherings across the country. A central part of the national programme is the military parade of the Nigerian Armed Forces, followed by the ceremonial raising of the national flag.[18][19] The President of Nigeria delivers an annual address, which he uses to discuss national challenges and outline government priorities.[20][21] For example, during the 2016 economic recession, President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged unemployment, inflation, and insecurity, calling for public resilience.[22] State-wide observances usually complement national ceremonies with parades and cultural displays drawing large crowds.[18] Traditional foods such as jollof rice and plantain are commonly shared, and fireworks in major cities often conclude the festivities.[19][23]
Independence Day is also designated a public holiday under the Public Holidays Act of 1979, which lists 1 October as Nigeria's national day.[24] Section 2 of the Act provides that a public holidays is to be kept "as a work-free day" throughout the Federation.[25] The statute empowers the President and the Minister of Interior to declare additional holidays at the federal level, while state governors may do so within their jurisdictions.[26] Section 5 of the Act stipulates that when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is not to be transferred to another day.[27] In practice, however, successive governments have declared substitute holidays; this move has been criticised as contrary to the statute.[28] For instance, in 2017, the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, announced that Monday, 2 October, would be observed as the Independence Day holiday.[29] A similar declaration was made in 2023, when Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed 2 October as a public holiday on behalf of the federal government.[30] The legality of shifting observance in this way has been challenged in court; in 2016, a lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, filed suit arguing that the practice violated the Act.[28]
The anniversary has also been marked by international leaders who customarily send goodwill messages: in 1961, United States President John F. Kennedy conveyed congratulations to Governor-General Nnamdi Azikiwe on Nigeria's first anniversary,[31] while in 2023 President Joe Biden highlighted cooperation in security, economic development, and democratic governance.[32] During the Cold War, independence anniversaries became opportunities for diplomatic signalling. On 2 October 1962, the second anniversary was celebrated in Moscow, with Soviet and Nigerian flags displayed together.[33] A joint message of congratulations was read by Premier Nikita Khrushchev and Chairman Leonid Brezhnev, followed by speeches from Nigerian students then studying in Soviet universities under bilateral education agreements.[33] American analysts working for the Central Intelligence Agency described the event as emblematic of Soviet efforts to build influence among newly independent African states.[33]
Nigerian communities abroad also commemorate the day. In the United States, the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians has organised annual Independence Day parades in New York City since 1991.[34] Centred on Manhattan, the events include processions, music, dance, cuisine, and cultural performances.[35][36] In the United Kingdom, marches and cultural exhibitions have taken place along routes through central London, including Trafalgar Square, the Nigerian High Commission, and 10 Downing Street.[37] In Canada, the Province of Manitoba formally recognised Nigerian Independence Day in 2024, citing contributions made by Nigerians to the province.[38]
Interruptions and controversies
A Nigerian Air Force C-130, similar to the one involved in the crash
On 26 September 1992, a Nigerian Air ForceC-130 Hercules transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Lagos, killing approximately 160 passengers, including military officers and foreign dignitaries. The crash deeply affected national sentiment as it occurred just days before Nigeria's 32nd Independence Day celebrations. President Ibrahim Babangida cancelled all scheduled Independence Day events, including the customary presidential address and military parade, as a mark of respect. The crash impacted the armed forces, with Babangida describing it as a profound loss.[20]
Olaniyan, Kazeem (1 January 2015). "The Pragmatics of General Ibrahim Babangida's Independence Day Broadcasts, 1985–1993". Journal of Humanistic and Social Studies. 6 (2): 103–120. ISSN2067-6557. ProQuest2269921008.
Kennedy, John F. (2001). "Message to Governor General Azikiwe on the First Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria. October 2, 1961". American Reference Library - Primary Source Documents. Western Standard Publishing Company.
Opeyeoluwa, Rotimi Olajide; Adesanya, Paul Olusegun (30 May 2022). "Command and Control of Major-General Yakubu Gowon, 1966–1970". Wukari International Studies Journal. 6 (1). ISSN2756-4649.
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