CBN, FAAN ,Relocation NCM kick, call for rescind of Action

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Northern Consensus Movement (NCM)has kicked against the decision of Federal government to relocate Ministry of Aviation and some department of Central Bank of Nigeria to Lagos.

Speaking at a Press conference the President of the movement Dr, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said “The movement wishes to lend its voice on the government decision to relocate the Ministry of Aviation and some department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos.

“Therefore, NCM is of the opinion that government should rescind its decision of relocating the Ministry of Aviation and some Department of the CBN from Abuja to Lagos.

The NCM has seen the Internal Memo Signed by the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, where the Minister of Aviation, Festus Kayamo directed the Agency’s Headquarters to be moved to Lagos.

“We view this as a deliberate plot and antagonistic action against the collective interest of the Northern Region and other Parts of Nigeria, and a hidden Agenda to isolate the North.

“As a result of this development, NCM supports the statement of the Northern Senators,which was issued on their behalf by Senator. Suleiman Kawu Sumaila.”

The Northern Senator took exception to the planned movement to shelve the movement of the Ministry of Aviation and some department of CBN from Abuja to Lagos,otherwise they will go to court on the issues.The NCM welcome the action of the Northern Senators and some of their southern counterparts.

He further explained that the CBN establishment act 2007 section 3 of the act 2007 says; “The Bank shall have its Head Office in any location which is by the law of the capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and may open branches in any part of Nigeria and appoint agents and correspondent abroad in accordance with the decision of the Board.

“The NCM is of the belief that there are disadvantages to relocate the Ministry of Aviation and some departments of CBN from Abuja to Lagos.

“It involves significant financial cost, associated with moving employees, setting up new infrastructure and establishing new office space and personal accommodation. Of course the expenditure on relocation could strain their budget and affect their operational efficiency.”

He maintained that the morale disaffection among employees who have to move their families could lead to loss of institutional knowledge and expertise on the quality and effectiveness of their performance.

“The Federal Capital Territory has all available space for expansion and development, therefore, Lagos has over stressed facility and infrastructure.

“The action of government is already having some political implication as is viewed as a sectional agenda.

“The Nineteen Northern States electorates voted massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC with over five Million votes,in the 2023 General election as against the PDP candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.