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The controversy over the planned relocation of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos is needless and should not be allowed to derail the operations of the two agencies. It should also not be allowed to lead to unnecessary tension and suspicion between the North and the South. The dichotomy between the North and South should not be widened because of this administrative exercise
The CBN had in an internal memo announced the relocation of some of its departments to Lagos in a move to decongest the Abuja head office and ensure efficiency in its operations. The affected departments included Banking Supervision; Other Financial Institutions Supervision; Consumer Protection Department; Payment System Management Department and Financial Policy Regulations Department. According to the apex bank, the move will increase the productivity of the affected staff, reduce costs and ensure their safety.
“This action is necessitated by several factors, including the need to align the bank’s structure with its functions and objectives, redistribute skills to ensure a more even geographical spread of talent and comply with building regulations, as indicated by repeated warnings from the Facility Manager, and the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Decongestion of the CBN Head Office,” the apex bank stated.
Also, the CBN explained that some departments are better suited to operate in proximity to financial institutions’ head offices, which are predominantly located in Lagos.
Similarly, the relocation of FAAN to Lagos was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a memo dated January 15, 2024, and signed by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
Unfortunately, the relocation exercise has attracted sundry reactions from prominent Nigerians and groups across the country. Why some have supported the move, others have vehemently opposed it. For instance, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have opposed the move, alleging that it is a deliberate ploy to widen the economic disparity between the North and the South.
They have argued that the movement would increase operational costs, loss of talent and disruption of the bank’s operations. However, the former Emir of Kano and erstwhile CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido, has spoken in favour of the relocation of some departments of the apex bank to Lagos in a bid to enhance the effectiveness of their operations.
We believe that the relocation of the departments of some agencies is healthy and ideal in a federation. It is a marked departure from our present unitary federalism, which is overtly centralised. The country can only witness meaningful development if we embrace true federalism. Therefore, the exercise should be applauded rather than being condemned. The subtle threats by some politicians are uncalled for.
The relocation of the agencies must not be misconstrued or politicised as it is presently the case. The ethnicisation of the move is condemnable. With the headquarters of most banks in Lagos, it makes economic sense that some of their departments ought to move to Lagos to ensure adequate supervision of the banks. The same argument can go for the relocation of FAAN to Lagos because it is the nation’s aviation hub for both domestic and international flights. Having it in Lagos will ensure seamless supervision and operational efficiency in the aviation sector.
There is even no need concentrating all the country’s strategic institutions and agencies in one state or a particular part of the country. With the upsurge in terrorism and banditry, locating all the strategic institutions in one state or a particular section of the country is risky.
Other regions should benefit from the decongestion process. Let the South-East and South-South, be equally considered in the decentralisation exercise. Such national institutions as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) should have presence in Port Harcourt, Calabar and other areas having of maritime activities. The NNPCL should have prominent presence in the Niger Delta region where the bulk of our crude oil is produced. The same recommendation should apply to oil companies.
Those opposing the relocation of some departments of CBN and FAAN to Lagos should have a rethink in view of the reasons advanced by the government for the exercise. Let national interest override individual or regional considerations. However, government should further assure Nigerians that the relocation of the agencies is altruistic and nationalistic.
