Lagos Relocation Sparks Debate And Discord Among Federal Agencies

Yesterday, there was widespread condemnation of the stance taken by Northern senators regarding the relocation of federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos. The senators not only expressed displeasure about the relocation but also protested what they perceived as an imbalanced allocation between the North and South in the 2024 budget. They argued that this allocation would further contribute to the underdevelopment of the North………CONTINUE READING

Various regional groups, including the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization Afenifere and the Middle Belt Forum, criticized the senators for giving the impression that Nigeria is not yet a unified nation. They emphasized the importance of focusing on results rather than regional considerations.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also echoed the senators’ concerns, stating that the decisions to relocate federal agencies, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), were part of a pattern of actions against the interests of Northern Nigeria.

In response, senators from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the banner of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), expressed their opposition to the budget allocation and agency relocations. They announced plans to engage with the executive arm of the government, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to address these issues.

Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the spokesman for the Northern Senators Forum, assured the public that they were committed to addressing the concerns of their constituents and believed in the power of open dialogue and collaboration for positive change.

In contrast, Afenifere criticized the Northern senators, stating that some departments of the agencies were originally in Lagos, and there was nothing wrong with the planned relocation if it improved the agencies’ performance.

The Middle Belt Forum dismissed claims that the Federal Government aimed to underdevelop the North, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective focused on national performance rather than regional interests.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) refrained from making a categorical statement, stating that they lacked sufficient information on the matter.

South-South leader Chief Edwin Clark supported the relocation, citing past instances of moving government departments to different regions. He urged Northerners not to provoke tensions, emphasizing that Abuja belongs to all Nigerians.

Overall, the issue highlights tensions over regional interests and the perceived impact of government decisions on development across different parts of the country.

For more information join our WhatsApp group by clicking the link here: WhatsApp Group Invite