The relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos has ignited a heated debate among Nigerian leaders. The move, sanctioned by the government, has drawn dissent from various regions of the country, with different groups taking opposing positions on the matter.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum is set to convene in Abuja to deliberate on the contentious relocation. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, aims to consolidate the stance of the southern and middle belt regions regarding this issue. Representatives from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South South, and middle belt leaders will participate to present a unified front on the matter.
The relocation decision has triggered strong reactions from leaders across Nigeria. The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, criticized the move, linking it to ‘political cartels’ within the government. In contrast, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum pledged to vehemently oppose any attempts to disrupt Abuja’s status as the nation’s capital.
Chucks Ibegbu, a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, voiced concerns over the treatment of the southeast, emphasizing the need for federal presence in the region. Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, voiced support for the relocation, stating that it is in the best interest of the country.
The impending meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum will provide a platform for these divergent opinions to be aired and potentially reconciled. Their collective decision will carry significant weight in shaping the ongoing debate.
Amid these developments, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, affirmed that the relocation is irreversible, citing inefficiencies and high costs associated with the current arrangement.
The outcome of the impending meeting and the resulting impact on the government’s decision will be closely monitored by stakeholders across Nigeria. As tensions mount and divergent views come to the fore, the implications of the FAAN and CBN relocation continue to reverberate within the Nigerian political landscape.
