In a bid to enhance safety and productivity, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has initiated a plan to relocate certain departments from its overcrowded head office in Abuja to Lagos.
An internal memo obtained by newsmen revealed that departments like Banking Supervision, Other Financial Institutions Supervision, Consumer Protection, Payment System Management, and Financial Policy Regulations were affected.
An official from the CBN, speaking anonymously, clarified that the move is not driven by tribal sentiment, as some staff members suggest.
Instead, it is aimed at optimizing operational efficiency, cutting costs, and ensuring the safety of employees.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the official likened the situation to a company with over 500 staff, where around 200 commute between states regularly.
Quest Times also learned that the relocation intends to streamline operations, increase safety, and boost productivity by having these departments permanently based in Lagos.
“Our current occupancy level significantly exceeds the optimal capacity designed for the Head Office building, posing safety concerns, reducing efficiency, and compromising structural integrity. The decongestion plan aims to address these issues and improve workflow efficiency,” the memo stated.
Moreover, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, has reportedly outlined this strategic alignment to ensure departments operate in proximity to financial institutions’ head offices predominantly located in Lagos. This move is expected to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
While some affected staff members have expressed concerns about leaving their comfort zones, the CBN emphasized that the relocation is ultimately for their benefit.
The current overcrowded situation in the Abuja office, designed for 3,000 but currently accommodating 4,000 employees, has raised safety and efficiency challenges that the bank aims to address through this strategic move.