- Former Minister Adebayo Shittu emphasized the non-tribal nature of discussions on the possible relocation of FAAN and CBN departments
- Shittu urged an objective perspective, stating that administrative convenience, not regional sentiments, should guide relocation decisions
Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications, has emphasized the non-tribal nature of the discussions surrounding the possible relocation of the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters and select departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This statement comes in response to concerns raised by Senator Ali Ndume, who suggested potential political consequences linked to the move.
During an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday, Shittu urged a more objective perspective, stating that any government agency can relocate departments for administrative reasons.
“A lot of northerners are taking this issue too personally. The Central Bank being in Abuja is not because Abuja is in the north; it is in Abuja because it is the capital of Nigeria, belonging to all of us,” Shittu explained.
He highlighted the need to avoid tribalizing administrative decisions, emphasizing that administrative convenience rather than regional sentiments should guide relocation.
“If any government agency finds it administratively convenient to relocate any department, why should it be tribalized? Why turn it into an issue between the North and the South? This perspective is unfortunate and does not reflect well on those who believe in preventing tribal divisions,” he added.
Shittu advocates for a more inclusive and pragmatic approach, emphasizing the broader national interest over regional affiliations in governmental decisions.