President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, and mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary in Lagos, with a nationwide broadcast scheduled for Thursday, October 1.

According to Presidency sources, Tinubu is expected to arrive through the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where he is expected to be received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The President is expected to remain in Lagos through Independence Day and deliver his national address to Nigerians as part of activities marking the anniversary. He is expected to return to Abuja after the celebration.

The Federal Government has officially confirmed that the President’s nationwide broadcast will form a major part of the programme for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The anniversary programme also includes an Independence Day public lecture scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, following Juma’at prayers on September 25 and a church service held on September 27.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”

The Federal Government said the celebration would provide an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960 and highlight efforts aimed at consolidating economic reforms and translating them into improved living conditions for citizens.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the anniversary, said the government was moving from economic reform and stabilisation towards growth, production and shared prosperity.

Tinubu’s decision to observe the anniversary in Lagos will make it the second consecutive year he has marked Independence Day in the commercial capital.

The President’s return will also end an extended working vacation that began on August 30, when he departed Nigeria for London. He later travelled to Paris, where he held engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

During his absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented the President at several official engagements, including Nigeria’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of Tinubu.

Despite being outside the country, the Presidency said Tinubu continued to receive briefings and issue directives on matters of national importance.

The President’s return comes as the Federal Government prepares for the 66th Independence Anniversary and as attention shifts to his expected national address on October 1.

The nationwide broadcast is expected to provide the President with an opportunity to address Nigerians on the state of the nation, the administration’s reform agenda and the government’s plans for the next phase of its economic programme.