For the second year in a row, the Nigerian government has announced that the October 1 Independence Day celebration will be held in a low-key manner due to the country’s economic conditions.
This decision was shared by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at a press conference in Abuja.
Senator Akume stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of the economic challenges facing Nigerians, prompting the government to scale back the celebrations in solidarity with the nation’s struggles.
“President Tinubu sympathizes with Nigerians regarding the current economic situation, which is why we have opted for a modest 64th Independence Day celebration,” Akume explained.
This year’s decision reflects last year’s 63rd Independence anniversary, which was also subdued for similar reasons, with no foreign leaders invited.
Akume noted that the country’s economic difficulties have been impacted by critical policy changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies, aimed at achieving long-term economic stability. He reassured Nigerians that the government is actively working to mitigate the immediate effects of these changes through the implementation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”