Nigeria has declared Monday, 3rd October, 2016 as Public Holiday to mark the country’s 56th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Thursday.

He congratulates Nigerians at home and abroad on the commemoration of this year’s independence anniversary which comes up on October 1,

The minister assured Nigerians of government’s commitment to assiduously work to put in place various palliative measures to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.

He enjoined everyone to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his avowed determination to build a strong, virile and united country in line with the dream of the country’s founding fathers.

Nigeria attained Independence on October 1, 1960 from the British colonial master.

The country subsequently became a republic in 1963.

The South and North regions were amalgamated in 1914.

The nation grew as a federal structure to have 36 states, and the federal capital in Abuja.

With more than 170 people, the country currently runs a bicameral legislature, Executive and the Judicial arms.

Retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is the current President.