Storm in a teacup
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have condemned the relocation of some departments in the Central…
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have condemned the relocation of some departments in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s headquarters from Abuja to Lagos. Through spokesperson Suleiman Kawu (New Nigeria People’s Party, Kano South), the Senators urged the Federal Government to consider reversing the relocated departments or be ready to face legal action. Last week, the CBN announced the relocation plans, saying its headquarters in Abuja is congested with staff. Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo also announced the relocation of the FAAN headquarters to Lagos.
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to relocate some departments from Abuja to Lagos has sparked heated debate, particularly among some Northern leaders. Accusations of “sectional bias” and legal threats fly around, but before we get lost in geographical squabbles, let us unpack the real reasons behind this move. The CBN’s Abuja headquarters is bursting at the seams. With 4,233 occupants crammed into a space designed for 2,700, safety concerns are no joke. The official memo paints a grim picture of health risks, potential accidents, and hampered emergency responses. To ease this pressure and boost efficiency, the bank is shifting key departments like Banking Supervision and Consumer Protection closer to the financial action in Lagos. Now, this relocation is not about playing North vs. South. Here is the bigger picture: the overcrowding is not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. This is not a game; the CBN memo lays out the risks with chilling clarity. Also, constant staff shuttles between Abuja and Lagos are a budget drain. Relocating departments closer to their work streamlines communication and collaboration, potentially saving a nice chunk of travel expenses. Putting departments where they can thrive makes sense. There are no legal obstacles to the administrative relocations. However, the belief, whether accurate or not, that the President’s actions are solely aimed at solidifying the power of his Lagos hometown is what has motivated these politicians. It is not the ongoing economic crisis or the dire security conditions. Instead of getting bogged down in a location battle, the Northern elite would be wise to focus on their region’s real challenges. Security threats, widespread poverty, and a struggling education system are the battles that demand immediate attention and proactive solutions. Investing in people, infrastructure, and security would yield far greater dividends for Northern Nigeria’s long-term development than a symbolic tug-of-war over office locations. True progress hinges on building a stronger future, not on where a few desks are placed. The CBN’s relocation can be a catalyst for a better conversation. Northern leaders must move beyond the “us vs. them” narrative and work together to ensure the North thrives, not because of a few relocated departments but because of a relentless commitment to its people and their prosperity.