Federal government has said the choice of a low-key 63rd independence anniversary celebration was informed by issues of bad governance and the challenging economic situation in the country.

Against this background, the government said it has refrained from inviting world leaders to the October 1, 2023 festivities.

The secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, who disclosed this during a press briefing heralding the 63rd anniversary celebration, said the nation and her citizens are going through serious economic hardships.

The theme of the anniversary is “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.”

The SGF said the decision to abstain from international leaders’ invitations stands in stark contrast to the previous inauguration ceremony where 53 world leaders were in attendance.

Akume also spoke on the ongoing investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He said a special investigator had been diligently scrutinising the institution’s operations, adding that the findings would soon be made available to the public.