The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly criticized the decision to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos, labeling it as a strategy to perpetuate the underdevelopment of Northern Nigeria.
The group also expressed opposition to the relocation of a unit of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos.
In a statement issued by Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, concerns were raised about a perceived pattern of marginalization against the North through these relocations.
The ACF emphasized that the moves by FAAN and CBN were not routine administrative actions but part of a concerning trend that negatively impacts Northern interests.
The statement highlighted the recent decision by CBN to relocate key departments from Abuja to Lagos, causing anxiety and outcry, particularly among Northerners. The ACF argued that these actions align with a pattern of antagonistic decisions by certain federal administrations that adversely affect the North and other regions of Nigeria.
The ACF pointed out that within the Ministry of Aviation, only 8 out of 40 recently appointed directors are from the North. It raised concerns about leaked letters suggesting potential relocations of projects in the aviation sector, questioning the motives behind such decisions.
The statement recalled historical instances, such as President Obasanjo’s directive in 1999 to relocate the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) from Abuja to Lagos. The ACF argued that such concentrated relocation of key agencies in Lagos has led to a monopoly over port operations and sea traffic.
The ACF lamented that Northern Nigeria has faced persistent threats and challenges, including the deliberate discouragement of resource investment, as seen in the case of oil exploration in the region. The statement asserted that powerful interests within the Federal Government have obstructed various projects meant for the North, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment.
In conclusion, the ACF urged the government to reconsider these relocation decisions, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution of federal projects and resources to promote balanced development across all regions of Nigeria.
