In a statement released on Sunday, the Federal Government addressed concerns, dismissing claims that relocating the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and specific departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos was a politically motivated move. According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the relocation aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Various figures, including Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South and leaders of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and other northern groups, had expressed reservations about the moves, suggesting that it might be an attempt to marginalize the northern region.
Minister Idris clarified, “It is not true that the relocation to Lagos of the Headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are political moves aimed at marginalizing a section of the country. These allegations are unfounded. Instead, these are pragmatic administrative steps to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.”
He further urged Nigerians to be cautious of false claims circulating on various media platforms and emphasized the need for unity. “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the work of building the Nigeria of our dreams must be done by everyone, regardless of our religious faith or ethnic group or geopolitical zone.”