Is Nigeria’s Capital Moving to Lagos?
Daniel Bwala, a former aide to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023, recently shared his thoughts on the rumored relocation of Nigeria’s federal capital from Abuja to Lagos. Bwala believes that this speculation is purely political and should not be taken seriously. He specifically addressed the relocation of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos, stating that it does not indicate a larger move of the country’s headquarters.
Abuja Remains the Capital
Bwala expressed his opinion on X, stating, “I honestly think the hoopla around the conspiracy that the movement of FAAN and some departments of CBN to Lagos as plans to move headquarters of Nigeria to Lagos is merely political. Because there are many other departments and agencies of government that are not in Abuja but in suitable locations. Abuja would remain the capital of Nigeria.”
It is worth noting that Bola Tinubu, another prominent political figure, has also dismissed the idea of relocating the federal capital to Lagos. According to Tinubu, this rumor first emerged during the 2023 election campaign and was quickly debunked. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that those spreading this rumor are being dishonest and are trying to gain attention for themselves.
Tinubu firmly stated, “Abuja has come to stay. It is backed by law.”
Conclusion
While there may be ongoing discussions about the relocation of certain government departments, it is important to remember that these moves do not signify a shift of Nigeria’s capital from Abuja to Lagos. Both Bwala and Tinubu, who have close ties to the political landscape, have dismissed these rumors as politically motivated. Therefore, Abuja will continue to serve as the capital of Nigeria, as established by law.
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