Honestly, if we must tell ourselves the truth, the way government agencies and most Federal Ministries are centralized in one particular location (all in Abuja) is limiting development.
For instance, here in Abuja, once it is daybreak, everybody starts driving towards the City Center causing heavy traffic jams especially during rush hours.
Had it been government ministries and agencies are sited across the town, I don’t think there will be “hold up” and it would also speed up the development of the FCT.
For instance, if the Federal Ministry of Works is located in Gwagwalada, Ministry of Health in Jikwoyi, Ministry of Agriculture in Abaji, Ministry of Education in Bwari, Ministry of Transportation in Apo and Ministry of Finance in Kubwa, civil servants would live close to their workplace and easily access their offices on daily basis without stress.
Till date, the headquarters of most Banks in Nigeria (if not all) is still in Lagos state.
We don’t need to argue some steps. Let’s give it a try.
If Nigeria must be great, we must learn how to stop politicizing everything.
Abuja does not have any oil well and most oil exploration companies and agents have their offices located in the South-South region of Nigeria but NNPCL headquarters is in Abuja.
It is amusing not amazing!
The Ministry of Steel Development can be located in Ajaokuta, Kogi state where we have the raw materials.
The Ministry of Agriculture can be located in Benue state, the food basket of the nation.
Sensitive ministries, agencies and parastatals (budget, planning, finance etc) should be allowed to remain in Abuja for easy administration and functionality of the government.
We are in the 21st century where information can easily be transmitted via email and it is a global trend.
All ministries and government agencies must not be sited in one particular location to ensure the smooth running of the government.
The decision of moving the FCT of Nigeria to Abuja – in 1991 – was because Lagos was congested (and it is still congested) but we are running away from the fact that Abuja is also becoming congested.
In case you don’t know, a cross section of civil servants working in the capital city are residing in Keffi (Nasarawa state) and Suleja (Niger state) from where they come to work everyday.
Again, the Abuja Metropolitan City Train network should be fast tracked to ease the issue of transportation.
Decongest Abuja now by relocating government owned ministries and agencies across the various states of Nigeria to speed up development.
Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and 64 years later, we are still battling with ethnic prejudice and political irritability.
Let some self-centered politicians allow Nigeria to breathe through its nostril not through the anus. We should not politicize everything and at the end gain nothing. Nigeria is not an animal farm hence let us emulate the doctrine of unity in diversity.
Let every state in Nigeria feel the presence of the government. By so doing, Nigeria shall be great again with less agitations and unnecessary competition amongst its citizens.
If we must call Nigeria our home, we must join hands together to build a nation of our dream by trashing every form of sentiments in pursuant of peace, prosperity and progress.
Think…
