Planned Relocation Of CBN Units, FAAN Hqtrs To Lagos Directed Against The North – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised concerns, alleging a deliberate attempt by the current administration to underdevelop the Northern region through the proposed relocation of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) units and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Headquarters to Lagos.

In a statement by Prof Tukur Muhammad Baba, the National Publicity Secretary, the ACF expressed its distress, drawing parallels with the historical relocation of the capital from Lagos to Abuja.

“The management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), recently announced plans to relocate some of its key departments from Abuja to Lagos, understandably sparking a wave of anxiety and outcry from many Nigerians, especially Northerners who, obviously would be most adversely affected by the spontaneous exercise,” the ACF stated, emphasizing the constitutional move of the capital to Abuja decades ago.

The ACF perceives the CBN’s decision as part of a larger pattern of actions against the interests of Northern Nigeria. It noted another relocation announcement from the Federal Ministry of Aviation’s FAAN, further underscoring its concerns about the adverse effects on the Northern region. The leaked letter to the Minister of Aviation from a contractor, AVSATEL, seeking permission to relocate a project from Katsina to “the south” or Abuja, intensified suspicions of a pattern of marginalization.

The ACF highlighted historical instances, including President Obasanjo’s relocation orders in 1999, as examples of this alleged pattern. It accused the federal government of concentrating agencies and institutions for the marine economy in Lagos, disadvantaging other regions. The ACF argued that such moves have historically affected Northern Nigeria, creating obstacles for crucial projects like the dredging of rivers Niger and Benue and the Mambila Hydroelectric Dam.

Expressing skepticism about the noble grounds of the proposed relocations, the ACF urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to intervene. It called for a reconsideration of the agencies’ decisions and emphasized the availability of land in the Federal Capital Territory for expansion. The ACF underscored the constitutional nature of Abuja as the capital and urged against allowing factors like over-crowding in offices to obscure potential sinister motives behind the proposed relocations.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG