The Federal Government has admitted that, 65 years after independence, Nigeria is still “a work in progress,” even as it cancelled the much-anticipated Independence Day parade slated for October 1, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, called on Nigerians to support ongoing reforms and remain committed to building a greater nation.
“At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,” Akume declared.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s “bold reforms” aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence, and creating opportunities, stressing that although the measures may be tough, they are laying the foundation for long-term growth.
“The gains, though modest, are a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course, and with perseverance, greater dividends will be realized,” he added.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, backed Akume, insisting that the Tinubu administration is already dismantling “stubborn clogs in the wheel of national progress.”
According to him, inflation is beginning to ease, the naira is regaining strength, food prices are dropping, and trade surplus is rising, driven by non-oil contributions.
“Our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made,” he said.
Idris also highlighted the National Education Loan Fund, which he said has already reached over 500,000 students, describing it as unprecedented.
He listed reforms in energy, transport, agriculture and health as proof that “no region is taking a back seat” in the spread of projects.
But in a surprising twist, the government scrapped the annual Independence Anniversary parade.
Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations at the SGF’s office, confirmed the cancellation in a Monday statement.
He offered no reasons for the decision but insisted that it would not diminish the importance of the anniversary.
He urged Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests to rally behind President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
