JUST IN: FG Shuts Secretariat In Abuja

GIOTV reports that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free 61st independence celebration on Friday, will from Thursday afternoon shut down some sections of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.

The latest development was made known via a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, on Monday.

The circular was titled, ‘Closure of Federal Secretariat Phases 1-3 on Thursday, September 30, 2021, by 2 pm.’

The circular which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office of the OHCSF, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, was addressed to all ministers, heads of agencies, chairmen of commissions, permanent secretaries, and others.

GIOTV understands that the Federal Secretariat Complex is located close to the Eagles Square in the Three Arms Zone which will be hosting the grand finale of the independence programme on Friday.

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to lead top government officials and friends of the country to the event.

However, it was gathered that the plan to shut down the complex consisting of a high-rise building overlooking the square was for security purposes.

The circular read in part, “As you are aware, the 61st independence anniversary of Nigeria is scheduled to hold on Friday, October 1, 2021, and activities have been lined up to mark the event at the Eagles Square same day.

“In line with security arrangements for the event, the Federal Secretariat complex, Phases 1-3 will close for business with effect from 2pm on Thursday, September 30, 2021.“Accordingly, all offices whose ministries, departments, and agencies are located within these office complexes are expected to vacate the premises on or before 2pm on Thursday, September 30, 2021,” Yemi-Esan stated.

It was further gathered that major roads leading to the square will be closed to traffic on Thursday evening to enable security agencies to “sweep” the venue ahead of the programme.