Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, categorically denied any intentions to relocate Nigeria's capital from Abuja to Lagos. Onanuga dismissed the claims as baseless rumors propagated by dishonest and politically motivated individuals seeking to create divisions along ethnic and regional lines.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 24, Onanuga addressed the recent relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos, emphasizing that such administrative decisions should not be politicized. He clarified that FAAN's move to Lagos, where it was initially based, does not translate to relocating the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Lagos. Onanuga stressed that Abuja's establishment as the capital is legally entrenched.
President Tinubu's aide highlighted the practicality of moving certain government departments, such as parts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), closer to the industries they regulate. Onanuga argued that administrative decisions, including the relocation of specific agencies, should not be misconstrued as attempts to shift the capital.
On the issue of regional parastatals, Onanuga pointed out examples like NIMASA and NPA being headquartered in Lagos, emphasizing the need for proximity to the industries they oversee. He urged against the politicization of administrative decisions, asserting that such maneuvers only serve to distract from the broader governance agenda.
In conclusion, Onanuga called for an end to what he described as "dirty politics," urging a more constructive discourse that avoids creating unfounded rumors to undermine the administration's efforts. The statement underscored the importance of focusing on substantive issues rather than engaging in divisive politics that could potentially pit different regions against each other
