Northern coalition demands relocation of bank headquarters to Abuja

The Coalition of Northern Groups, Civil Society Organisations, and Critical Stakeholders in northern Nigeria have called for the immediate relocation of bank headquarters to Abuja.
This was contained in a statement co-signed by Comrade Muhammed Usman Deba, Gombe State Coordinator, CNG; Comrade Habiba Isah Gaude, Voice for Rural Women; and Comrade Lawal Idris Lawantee, Acting Chairman, CSOs, following a town hall meeting in Gombe State.
According to the statement, it is unjust for banks to situate their headquarters in certain states, allowing those states to disproportionately benefit at the expense of contributions from other regions. The statement urged Northern Governors and business owners to engage exclusively with banks that comply with this recommendation in all their financial transactions.
“Abuja, as the Federal Capital of Nigeria, has historically been a peaceful and neutral territory free from ethnic or religious tensions. It is unjust for banks to situate their headquarters in certain states and allow those states to disproportionately benefit at the expense of contributions from other regions.
“Therefore, the town hall recommends that all banks relocate their corporate headquarters to Abuja and remit their revenues directly to the Federal Government to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
“All Northern Governors, business leaders, and organisations should exclusively engage banks that comply with this recommendation in all financial transactions.”
Addressing the issue of land borders, the statement noted that the continued closure of land borders has had a devastating impact on the economy and livelihoods of citizens, particularly in border communities. It urged the Federal Government to reopen land borders immediately to ease economic hardship, promote trade, and reduce the burden on struggling Nigerians.