FG abruptly cancels Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day Parade

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day parade, earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.

In a statement issued late on Monday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, the government said the decision does not in any way diminish the significance of the milestone.

“The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement read.

While the parade has been shelved, Imohiosen confirmed that all other programmes slated for the anniversary would proceed as planned.

He added that the Federal Government “deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation” but appealed for public understanding.

The statement further urged Nigerians, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests to rally behind the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that national unity and cooperation were vital to the administration’s effort to build “a greater Nigeria.”

The cancellation marks a rare departure from Nigeria’s annual Independence Day tradition, where colourful parades and military displays have long served as the centrepiece of celebrations.