President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N70million for this year’s Independence anniversary celebrations.
This was made known on Tuesday by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office, Lawal said Buhari reluctantly gave the approval, saying he preferred the money is diverted for the payment of workers salaries.
“This year’s celebration is, indeed low key because the present administration appreciates the economic hardship that Nigerians and the nation is confronted with today and he almost slashed it downward from N70m,” he said.
“To address the situation, government has adopted a general policy to be very prudent in the management of our financial resources, so this year’s celebration is, therefore, in consonance with the cost-saving policy direction of this administration.
“Four events have been approved by the president to manage the entire celebration process.
“The events are: Jumat prayers, international thanksgiving service, ceremonial change of guards and a children’s party.
“Apart from these four events the president will also address the nation on Oct 1.
“To ensure a successful commemoration, four sub-committees have been constituted to handle the preparations for each of the four events”, he disclosed.
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