Northern senators raise issues over ‘lopsided’ 2024 budget, relocation of CBN, FAAN offices

The planned relocation of some federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos may not sail through as Senators from the North have vehemently rejected move.

They also observed that there exists an alleged lopsidedness in the distribution and allocation of resources in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget against the North.

   
The spoke through a statement issued by their spokesperson, Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District on the platform of the New Nigeria Political Party (NNPP).
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in a recent internal memo, announced plans to transfer some of its departments to Lagos State, citing congestion at the headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
   
Shortly after the CBN announcement, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also ordered the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters from Abuja to Lagos.
However, the Northern Senators’ Forum, moved against the plan and urged their constituents to remain patient, saying they would engage the executive in peaceful negotiations and deploy legal measures where necessary to address the issue.
   
The statement issued by Sumaila, reads: “As representatives of the people at the national level (Senate), we are committed to addressing the concerns and feelings of our constituents regarding certain decisions and policies put forth by the Federal Government – lopsidedness in the distribution and allocation of resources in the 2024 budget, relocation of some federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos.
   
“We understand the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the government and its citizens, and it is in this spirit that we are announcing our collective efforts to seek an amicable resolution to these pressing issues, within the confines of our constitution and existing laws.

“We are assuring our constituents that we have taken their concerns seriously and are actively engaging with our colleagues in order to address these matters effectively. We firmly believe in the power of open dialogue and collaboration to bring about positive change for our nation.”