The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary on 1 October.

The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The government apologised for the inconvenience, stressing that the decision “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.” It added that Nigeria’s 65th year of independence would still be celebrated “with dignity and enthusiasm.”

While the parade has been called off, all other programmes under the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation” will proceed as planned.

The statement expressed appreciation to Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests for their understanding and urged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.

The cancellation comes days after the government declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark the anniversary.