TADI at a press conference on the relocation noted that the focus of the key government infrastructure should be on efficiency and productivity and not about geographical controversy in a modern-day economy.
A coalition of civil society organisations led by the Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI) has urged northern leaders and interests in the country not to play politics with the move to relocate some Central Bank of Nigeria offices and those of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos State.
TADI at a press conference on the relocation noted that the focus of the key government infrastructure should be on efficiency and productivity and not about geographical controversy in a modern-day economy.
In a release signed by Taiwo Adeniran, Public Relations Officer, TADI said, “To set the record straight, we, the Civil Society Organizations, feel compelled to communicate our stance on the ongoing matter. The relocation of CBN departments to Lagos State for increased efficiency should be viewed as a policy matter rather than a subject of geographical controversy, as erroneously portrayed by some quarters.
“It is regrettable that, as a nation, we still find ourselves entangled in narrow-minded discussions that only serve to generate divisive comments in the public domain. To progress, we must collectively shift our focus away from such myopic concerns.
“We call upon the management team of the CBN to exercise due diligence in their efforts to reposition the banking sector in Nigeria. If relocating some departments to Lagos State proves beneficial to the system and the sector as a whole, we encourage the prompt implementation of such arrangements.
“The CBN operates within the confines of laws and policies, and its decisions should not be swayed by unfounded socio-political or geographical considerations regarding the location of its sensitive departments.
“It is essential to recognize that the planned relocation is motivated by the necessity for these departments to be closer to the headquarters of most commercial banks, primarily situated in Lagos State, for improved effectiveness, monitoring, and cost efficiency.
“We pose the following questions for contemplation: Is Lagos State not an integral part of Nigeria? Does the CBN not have the right to post its staff to any part of the country? Those orchestrating malicious attacks on the planned relocation are acting out of selfish interests and are often misinformed about the workings of the Central Bank.
“We implore federal lawmaker, Senator Ali Ndume, and his associates to prioritise the unity and progress of Nigeria over individual interests. The Central Bank of Nigeria is a vital institution, and its policies should be allowed to operate without interference.”