In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Governor Hope Uzodimma voiced his support for relocating the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and certain Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) departments to Lagos.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of merit as a driving criterion for decision-making in the country, citing the diverse opinions expressed by notable figures like Ali Ndume, the Northern Senators’ Forum, and the Emir of Kano.
Speaking specifically about FAAN, Uzodimma justified the relocation of the operations department to Lagos, asserting that the city serves as the main aviation hub. He believes such a move would enhance operational efficiency and make economic sense, especially in managing aviation operations effectively.
Regarding the CBN, the governor highlighted its role as the bankers’ bank, overseeing all commercial banks in the country. He argued that efficiency should be prioritized in decision-making, supporting the notion that moving relevant departments to Lagos aligns with operational effectiveness.
Governor Uzodimma took the opportunity to dismiss claims of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged plan to relocate the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from Lagos to Abuja. He attributed such speculation to a “campaign of calumny” orchestrated by opponents against Tinubu’s administration.