There are strong indications that only West African leaders would be invited for the forthcoming independence anniversary celebrations on October 1, 2015, reports Punch.
This followed the decision of the Federal Government to make the celebration a low key affair.
A source stated only West African leaders and prominent Nigerians would be invited for the programme which would hold at the Presidential Villa.
It was learnt that the event would feature Jumat prayers, thanksgiving service, ceremonial change of guards and a children's party at the Presidential Villa.
President Muhammadu Buhari had approved N70million for the event following dwindling resources.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, had informed reporters at a briefing in Abuja last Tuesday that the President reluctantly approved the money after complaining that he would have preferred that the money was for payment of workers' salaries.
He stated the President had argued that the money was too much to be spent on frivolities such as celebrations when Nigerians are grappling to survive the present day economic stress.
Lawal said, “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.
“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 consoce with the cost-saving policy direction of this administration.”
When asked about the dignitaries that would be invited for the event, the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ogbole Ahmedu-Ode directed inquiries to the Director of Protocol, State House, saying the celebration would be handled by the Presidency.
He said, “I don’t have the list of dignitaries for the celebrations but I think you should direct all inquiries to the Director of Protocol, State House who is in a position to give you details about the event.”