The President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has announced that the popular Independence Day Anniversary parade will not take place. The event was earlier scheduled as part of the 65th celebration on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
This change to the programme was announced by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, September 29.
The government explained that the development did not impact the independence anniversary and remained committed to celebrating the 65th year of Nigeria's independence with enthusiasm and dignity.
According to the statement, the government regretted any inconvenience that the change to the programme might have caused.
Reactions to cancellation of Independence Day parade However, some Nigerians have started expressing their views about the move. Below are some of their reactions: Kenee Muji demanded the reason for the change: "You've not stated any reasons for the cancellation. Not surprised! This administration is known for such misdemeanours. Lest I forget, can you state any reform of your government?"
Chinyere Ewekechinyere remarked: "There is nothing like Nigeria. Nigeria died in 1914 at the expiration of the 100-year British amalgamation MOU. After December 31st 2013, Nigeria ceased to exist. Everything that has happened since then is a fraud."
Megamixer commented: "Mr Bayo Onanuga @aonanuga1956, with a national milestone at stake, the president's spokesperson can and must do better than an opaque announcement that gives no reason and leaves citizens and stakeholders guessing. Clarity first, not opacity. Cancelling Nigeria’s 65th Independence parade for Wednesday, 1 October 2025, without any stated reason, erodes trust before the celebrations even begin and invites avoidable speculation that distracts from the anniversary itself."
"A decision of this magnitude requires a transparent public interest rationale, the named decision authority, and the policy or legal basis upon which it is based. Citizens are entitled to know whether this decision was based on an intelligence-led security assessment, a severe weather alert, budget reprioritisation, national mourning, or a public health concern, and on whose advice the call was made. The Freedom of Information Act 2011 promotes proactive disclosure where there is an overriding public interest, and the cancellation of a national ceremony plainly meets that threshold."
PRESS RELEASE
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) September 29, 2025
FG ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF INDEPENDENCE PARADE
The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October.
The cancellation is in no way a…
