Saudi Arabia and the United States have congratulated Nigeria on its 66th Independence Anniversary, joining Nigerians at home and abroad in marking the country’s National Day on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, making this year’s celebration the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence. The Federal Government declared October 1 a public holiday to allow Nigerians to mark the occasion.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria conveyed its congratulations to the Nigerian government and people in a message shared on social media.

The Saudi mission expressed its wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity for Nigeria as the country celebrates another milestone in its national history.

The gesture reflects the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, with both countries maintaining relations across areas including trade, investment, religious affairs and other areas of bilateral engagement.

The United States Mission in Nigeria also issued an Independence Day message congratulating Nigerians on the occasion.

In its message, the U.S. Mission highlighted the importance Washington attaches to its relationship with Nigeria and pointed to continued engagement between the two countries.

The American mission identified areas including democratic principles, religious freedom, commercial relations, peace and security as issues of importance in the bilateral relationship. It also recognised Nigeria's role in regional stability and economic activity in Africa.

The latest messages come as Nigeria celebrates its independence against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic growth, security and national development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, said Nigeria had moved beyond what he described as the initial phase of economic reforms and was entering a period focused more heavily on production, jobs and shared prosperity.

The Federal Government has also urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to demonstrate patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said peace and stability remained important conditions for national development.

Nigeria's political history after independence includes the transition to a republic in 1963. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the country's first President under the First Republic, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as Prime Minister. The State House records Azikiwe's presidency as running from October 1, 1963, to January 16, 1966.

The 66th Independence Anniversary therefore provides another opportunity for Nigeria to reflect on its journey since 1960 and on the diplomatic relationships it has built with countries around the world.

For Nigerians celebrating at home and in the diaspora, the messages from Saudi Arabia and the United States add an international dimension to the country's National Day, with both countries highlighting their respective relationships with Africa's most populous nation.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia