By Akinwale Kasali
The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM, a Coalition of over 100 Yoruba Groups have condemned the statement made by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, over the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters from Abuja to Lagos.
The Coalition warned the AYCF led by its President, Yerima Shettima, to desist from making inflammatory statements on policy decisions of the Federal Government that could cause division and unhealthy rancour across ethnic lines.
In a statement on Monday, signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, AYDM and the Coalition said the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters should not have generated parochial reactions attributed to the AYCF Chairman, Alhaji Shettima Yerima.
The Group said both the relocation of FAAN Headquarters and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos State appear to have been driven by honest intention to ensure optimum performance.
AYDM said Nigeria needs to embrace the decentralisation of Government functions and institutions in order to ensure greater prosperity and functional performance.
“The Stock Exchange in Lagos is the oldest in Nigeria. Stock Exchange is the twin economic front of the Central Bank. The two should actually be located in the economic nerve centre of any country. In the case of Nigeria, the centre is Lagos.”
It added that it is dangerous for the stability of the country if AYCF seeks to dictate what the President and the Vice President should do.
It urged the AYCF to recognise that Nigeria belongs to all.
The statement reads further, “The Arewa group should be contended with the explanation contained in the circular to relocate certain government departments as part of ongoing efforts by the current administration aimed at optimizing operational efficiency, improving service delivery, and ensuring economic vibrancy across Nigeria.
“Eighty percent of the funds from airport services are from Lagos. 80 percent of local and international airports in Nigeria are through Lagos ports. These are enough reasons to relocate the FAAN to Lagos. There was no reason to have moved the FAAN from Lagos in the first place.”
AYDM said it is important to emphasise that such decisions are part of a strategic approach to governance, with the ultimate goal of fostering development.
Ajayi said, “it is crucial to note that examples abound globally where key institutions have been strategically located outside the countries’ capitals, leading to positive outcomes. Numerous countries have adopted this approach to distribute economic activities, drive development, and promote balanced growth”.
According to him there are examples globally. For instance, German government moved key institutions to Bonn from Berlin and this move not only contributed to Bonn’s growth but also facilitated economic development in the country.
“In the same vein, Netherlands strategically located its Parliament and government institutions in The Hague, while Amsterdam remains the economic and financial hub. This dual-city model has proven effective in balancing political and economic functions. Just as key financial institutions head quarters are located in New York instead of Washington DC, the USA political capital or between New Delhi, the Indian capital and Bombay the economic head quarter”.
AYDM said in South Africa, while Pretoria hosts the South African seat of Government, key economic institutions remain in Johannesburg
“Relocating certain departments to Lagos is not merely a shift of administrative offices but a strategic move aimed at even development. Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, already houses various financial and commercial institutions.
The group said the strategic importance of Lagos is the reason why many foreign embassies retain their Lagos offices.
“Leveraging this existing infrastructure can contribute to enhanced synergy, efficiency, and economic growth.”
AYDM said the relocation of certain departments appears to be a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering national development and economic growth.
“It aligns with global best practices and exemplifies a forward-looking approach to governance”
The group advised AYCF to always make a well informed and fact based statements rather than spewing reckless and inflammatory statements laden with bigotry.
The AYDM is a coalition of over 100 Pan Yoruba groups includingbut not limited to O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Agbekoya Solidarity, South West Professionals, (SOWPROF), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, (NATA), ANACOWA which is the SW organisation for all Okada riders, Network for Yoruba Alliance, (NENA), Oodua Students Congress, (OST), The Covenant Group, South West Women Coalition, (SWEC), Vigilanted Regional Groups. (VRG), Covenant Group, Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC New Era), Yoruba Artisans Congress, (YOAC), O’odua Peoples Congress, (Reform), South West Hunters Association, (SWEHA) and many others
