The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October.
A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation gave no reasons for the cancellation. It reads:
“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.
“Accordingly, all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain in effect.
“The Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.
“The Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in making Nigeria a greater nation.”
The cancellation of the parade may have been informed by the disharmony created by the dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN. The labour union had Sunday announced a strike action capable of distrupting the national economy.
The Federal Government yesterday moved swiftly to resolve the escalating dispute as Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi and the Minister of State, Nkiruka Onyejeocha hosted both parties in closed-door reconciliation talks at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, following PENGASSAN’s declaration of a nationwide strike that has already begun disrupting Nigeria’s energy sector.
The dispute, which centers on allegations of mass dismissals at the $20 billion refinery, has raised concerns about potential fuel shortages and power grid collapse, with industry experts warning of ₦14.7 billion in daily economic losses.
PENGASSAN’s delegation, led by President Festus Osifo, had earlier shut down the Abuja offices of key petroleum agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The union’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, had on Saturday directed members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery, following what PENGASSAN described as the wrongful dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers for attempting to join the union.
•Photo Caption: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
