Understanding FG’s Policy On Relocating Some Agencies

Understanding FG’s Policy On Relocating Some Agencies

The recent announcement by the Federal Government to relocate some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN back to Lagos has continued to generate discussions and controversies among Nigerians.

The Federal Government in its wisdom has hinged the relocation on reasons that were considered germane to the growth and development of the agencies and by extension, the country.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN for instance initiated the move to safe cost, as a statement issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo confirmed that the agency has over the years occupied rented apartments in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the decision followed a comprehensive consultation between the new management, its unions and critical stakeholders who regretted the fact that FAAN was paying millions of naira as rent in Abuja, while its expansive building facilities in Lagos were left to rot.

It is therefore important to note that the major intention of the relocation by FAAN is to check waste of public funds and rip off that usually characterize rent payment by Government agencies.

Besides, it must be known that apart from accommodation that is very important to the smooth operations of FAAN, the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, in particular is and still remains the foremost gate way to the outside World.

Importantly, the volume of flights and other commercial activities within and around the Airport is massive and therefore, what should be expected is the full complement of staff to attend to passengers including dealing with other issues affecting operations of the agency.

As for the Central Bank of Nigeria, by the way, Lagos is the commercial nerve center of the entire country and CBN being a monetary policy regulator needs to properly establish itself in the city to figure out the direction of commercial and monetary activities.

Since announcement of the relocations were made public by the two agencies, there have been agitations and protests from some groups and personalities, who kicked against the move and demanded a reversal.

Specifically, people were of the opinion that the relocation was meant to under develop and marginalize the Northern Region.

Although, canvassers of this theory did not outline in details how the decision will marginalize the north.

What the agitators have failed to understand is the fact that some key federal government agencies such as the National Board for Technical Education NBTE, National Teachers Institute NTI and Nigeria College of Aviation amongst many others have been operating in different locations outside Abuja rendering their constitutional roles to Nigerians.

In fact there are so many federal government agencies operating in different parts of the country and attending to the needs of Nigerians in their very peculiar and unique ways.

So therefore, it is not mandatory that all federal agencies must operate from Abuja; rather some of them should have been situated in states where their services will be needed the most.

It is time Nigerians reason beyond religion, tribal and ethnic differences for the development of the nation.

It will also be wise for Nigerians to rally support for the present government for the revival of ailing industries in the country, fight crime and provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

By Awuhe Terfa, Edited by Grace Namiji