President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12 as part of activities lined up to commemorate Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary.
The President is also expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians during the celebration, highlighting the significance of the country’s democratic journey and the progress recorded under the current administration.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating an inter-ministerial committee charged with coordinating activities for the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the Shehu Shagari Complex, Abuja, Akume urged members of the committee to commence work immediately, noting that preparations must be concluded before the June 12 anniversary.
According to the SGF, activities marking the celebration will commence with a World Press Conference on June 4.
He disclosed that special Juma’at prayers will hold on June 5, while an inter-denominational church service is scheduled for June 7.
The programme will continue with a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, followed by youth and women-focused events on June 10.
The activities will culminate on June 12 with President Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly, a nationwide presidential broadcast, and a Democracy Day Gala Night.
Akume explained that this year’s commemoration would be conducted on a modest scale in line with the administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and sensitivity to the current economic realities facing Nigerians.
The SGF paid tribute to the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice he described as pivotal to the country’s return to democratic governance.
According to him, Democracy Day remains an important occasion for honouring those who fought for democratic rule and for reflecting on the nation’s progress since the restoration of democracy.
He noted that the celebration would also provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase achievements recorded in democratic consolidation, institutional strengthening, and ongoing national reforms.
The inter-ministerial committee is chaired by Senator Akume and comprises key government officials, including the ministers responsible for Information, Interior, Federal Capital Territory, Health, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defence, and Budget and Economic Planning.
Other members include the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), presidential aides, and several permanent secretaries.
The committee has been tasked with planning, coordinating, and executing all approved Democracy Day activities, documenting the events for historical purposes, and collaborating with relevant organisations and stakeholders where necessary.
Akume further directed all subcommittee secretaries to submit their budget proposals without delay to facilitate the smooth implementation of the planned programmes.
