For the second consecutive year, the Nigerian government has announced that the October 1 Independence Day celebration will be marked in a low-key manner, citing the nation’s economic conditions.
The decision was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a press conference in Abuja.
Senator Akume explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of the economic challenges facing Nigerians, which is why the government chose to scale down the celebrations in solidarity with the nation’s current struggles.
“President Tinubu sympathizes with Nigerians over the prevailing economic conditions, which is why we have decided to keep the 64th Independence Day celebration modest,” Akume said.
The decision mirrors last year’s 63rd Independence anniversary, which was also low-key due to similar economic concerns. At the time, no foreign leaders were invited to attend.
Akume highlighted that the country’s economic difficulties have been influenced by essential policy changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies—a move aimed at long-term economic stability. He assured Nigerians that the government is working diligently to alleviate the immediate impacts of these changes through the implementation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
