President Bola Tinubu’s administration has denied plans to relocate the Federal Capital from Abuja to Lagos, dismissing speculations sparked by recent directives for two agencies to shift their headquarters.
A press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, addressed “mischief-makers” who misinterpreted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decision to move its Department of Banking Supervision to Lagos and the Ministry of Aviation’s order for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to return its head office to the city.
The statement emphasized that the relocation announcements have no bearing on the Federal Capital’s status, firmly established by law in Abuja. It called the rumors, which first surfaced during last year’s election campaign, “a dangerous politics” aimed at creating “ethnic mistrust” and dividing the country.
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Onanuga argued that relocating FAAN is merely a return to its pre-2015 base, closer to the aviation industry hub, and that “FAAN will still maintain some presence in Abuja.” Similarly, he explained that the CBN department’s new location aligns with its focus on commercial banks, mostly headquartered in Lagos.
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He pointed out that similar agency placements outside Abuja exist for maritime and waterway authorities, highlighting NIMASA, NPA, NIWA, and NCDMB as examples. Calling these decisions “purely administrative,” he urged restraint from those politicizing them.
The statement concluded by affirming the administration’s commitment to “just and equitable” treatment of all Nigerians and urged citizens to reject rumor-mongering that distracts from “good governance.”
The relocation orders have ignited debate in Nigeria, with some viewing them as potential precursors to a capital shift and others seeing them as purely logistical moves. The government’s strong denial aims to quell the speculation and reaffirm Abuja’s position as the national capital.
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