CBN Defies Criticism, Transfers 1500 Employees To Lagos Office

Despite criticism from Senator Ali Ndume and other quarters, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is proceeding with its plan to relocate 1500 staff to its Lagos office, with resumption slated for Friday.

Recall Senator Ali Ndume,the Chief Whip of the Senate, sometimes warned that there would be “political consequences” if the plan to relocate some departments of CBN as well as the corporate headquarters of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to Lagos were implemented.

Ndume opined that, “Those misleading the President are not doing him any good because this is going to have some political consequences. If Tinubu were not elected president, the CBN governor would not be there. It was not Lagos votes that put Tinubu there.”

In the same development,critics, particularly from Northern regions, also expressed disapproval of the bank’s decision to decentralize operations to Lagos.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) voiced concerns over the move, citing increased costs, talent loss, operational disruptions, and regional economic disparities.

However, CBN insiders confirmed the relocation’s continuation despite opposition, with affected employees expected to commence work in Lagos by February 2nd.

Reports indicate that a significant portion of the Banking Supervision and Payment System Departments’ staff have already begun relocating to Lagos, with the process nearing completion.