Back عيد الاستقلال (نيجيريا) Arabic Jour de l'Indépendance (Nigeria) French Ranar 'Yancin Kai (Najeriya) Hausa Hari Kemerdekaan (Nigeria) ID Independence Day (Nigeria) IG Mam Sa̱t (Naijeriya) KCG Independence Day (Nigeria) SIMPLE
| Independence Day | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Independence Day |
| Also called | October First |
| Observed by | Nigeria |
| Type | National day |
| Significance | Marks Nigeria's independence from the United Kingdom |
| Celebrations | Parades, cultural shows, official ceremonies |
| Observances | Speeches by the President of Nigeria, flag hoisting, cultural dances |
| Date | 1 October |
| Next time | 1 October 2025 |
| Frequency | Annual |
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Nigeria's Independence Day, often called October First, is a public holiday observed annually on 1 October to commemorate the country's declaration of independence from British rule in 1960. This milestone marked the end of over sixty years of colonial governance and the emergence of Nigeria as a self-governing constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The inaugural celebrations featured a formal ceremony in Lagos, attended by Nigerian leaders and international dignitaries.
Observed across the country, Independence Day is marked by a variety of cultural and official events, including military parades, traditional dances, and flag-raising ceremonies, highlighting the nation's ethnic diversity. The day also provides a platform for reflecting on the nation's achievements, challenges, and aspirations since gaining independence. Outside Nigeria, the holiday is marked by Nigerian communities with cultural events celebrating their heritage. Global leaders often extend congratulatory messages, recognising Nigeria's contributions to regional stability and global diplomacy.