For the second consecutive year, Nigeria’s Independence Day will be marked with low-key celebrations due to the nation’s economic challenges. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, announced that the 64th Independence anniversary on October 1 will reflect the nation’s current economic realities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, Akume said, is sympathetic to the hardships Nigerians are facing, especially following recent economic reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies. The decision to downscale the celebrations is in alignment with the national mood.
Senator Akume highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to alleviate economic challenges, including the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) to reduce transportation costs and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost the economy.
During the briefing, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that Tinubu’s policies aim to transform Nigeria into a formidable economic power, while Finance Minister Wale Edun stressed the importance of domestic agricultural production in securing the country’s food supply. Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, also noted that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population presents further challenges in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
