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

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

According to the statement, the government regretted any inconvenience caused by the cancellation but stressed that it does not diminish the significance of the milestone anniversary.

“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. “Accordingly, all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain in effect.”

The government urged Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests to support ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The independence celebration, themed “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” will continue with other scheduled programmes despite the parade’s cancellation.

This follows the earlier declaration of Wednesday as a public holiday to mark the anniversary.