The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1 as public holiday to mark Nigeria's 55th independence anniversary.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed yesterday by the Ministry's Director of Press, Yusuf Isiaka.

Magaji, who congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad, also thanked them for their support to President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts towards building a peaceful, united and virile nation.

He further urged them to use the occasion of the celebration to pray for peace and unity across the country. Government had earlier said it will spend a mere sum of N70 million on the anniversary celebration.

This figure is believed to be a far cry from what previous administrations used to spend on the annual ritual, and which were always shrouded in secrecy. According to programme of activities for the event, at 8am on October 1, there will be a ceremonial Change of Guards at the State House, even as the president is billed to address the nation at 7am same day.

The last event is a Children's party which is slated for Saturday, October 3, at 3pm at the same State House.