President Bola Tinubu’s administration has firmly denied allegations of a clandestine move to relocate Nigeria’s federal capital from Abuja to Lagos. These claims, circulating widely in an opinion piece, sparked significant public debate and raised concerns about potential regional favoritism within the country’s diverse federation. Josef Onoh, a former South-East spokesman for President Tinubu, publicly debunked the narrative, asserting that such assertions misrepresented factual circumstances and administrative decisions.

The controversy intensified following an opinion article by Mohammed Bello Doka, which posited a narrative of stealth relocation orchestrated through a series of administrative and budgetary adjustments. Doka’s piece suggested that recent governmental actions pointed towards a gradual shift of key federal institutions to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and former capital. This viewpoint ignited discussions on social media and within political circles, prompting the swift rebuttal from presidential allies.

Onoh acknowledged the validity of concerns regarding equitable development across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, particularly in a federal system where regional balance is paramount. However, he stressed that Doka’s specific claims regarding capital relocation were factually incorrect and designed to sow discord. He expressed disappointment that prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, amplified what he termed a “wrong narrative,” despite the respect he personally held for El-Rufai.

Adding to his critique, Onoh also pointed to what he perceived as a failure by President Tinubu’s media handlers to effectively counter misinformation and positively articulate the administration’s policies. He argued that the presidential communication team had not adequately defended and promoted the government’s agenda to Nigerians and the global community in a manner befitting the office of the President, allowing unfounded claims to gain traction.

Central to the allegations was the purported relocation of the corporate headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos. Onoh vehemently dismissed this particular claim as “ludicrous and laughable.” He clarified that FAAN’s headquarters was, in fact, returned to Lagos in 2024, a move that reinstated its original location where it had operated for decades prior to a previous administrative decision to move it to Abuja.

The rationale behind FAAN’s return to Lagos, according to Onoh, was primarily driven by operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He highlighted that Lagos accounts for over 60 percent of Nigeria’s total air traffic, making it the undeniable operational epicentre for aviation activities. The previous relocation to Abuja under the preceding administration had reportedly led to significant operational challenges, including insufficient office space and the necessity for frequent, costly travel allowances for staff seeking approvals from the capital.

Onoh further revealed that he had personally engaged the Honourable Minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo, during the initial uproar surrounding the FAAN move over a year prior. Minister Keyamo had reportedly underscored the substantial cost savings anticipated from the relocation, estimating annual savings of between ₦450 million to ₦500 million in travel expenses alone. The minister also confirmed that extensive stakeholder consultations, including with relevant unions, had preceded the decision, ensuring transparency and broader acceptance.

The swift and decisive debunking of these relocation claims underscores the sensitivity of issues pertaining to national unity and regional representation in Nigeria. Discussions surrounding the capital’s status often tap into deep-seated sentiments about power distribution and resource allocation among the country’s diverse ethnic and geographical groups. The administration’s response aims to quell anxieties and reinforce its commitment to inclusive governance.

While the immediate focus remains on clarifying the status of the federal capital, the episode also highlights broader challenges in public communication for government institutions. The rapid spread of information, both accurate and inaccurate, through digital platforms necessitates proactive and robust engagement from official channels to manage public perception and maintain trust.

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Keywords: President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria capital relocation, Lagos, FAAN headquarters, Josef Onoh, operational efficiency, regional favoritism, Nigerian politics