The Central Bank of Nigeria is set to transfer some of its departments to Lagos State.
According to a report earlier published by PUNCH, a CBN official who spoke on condition of anonymity said it is to decongest the apex bank’s head office.
Although some staff members of the bank have reportedly resisted the transfer and claimed that it is motivated by tribal sentiment, the source said it is for their safety and increased productivity.
“What is happening now at the CBN is likened to a company with over 500 staff and say 200 used to go to work in other states and return to the head office. It is not out of place for the company to relocate them fully to that state to work and increase their safety and productivity,” he said.
The official stated that only some departments of the apex bank, including the Bank Supervision Department, were affected by the transfer.
He stated that the move is meant to increase the productivity of the affected staff while also cutting costs and ensuring their safety.
The departments penciled down for relocation by the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso are Banking Supervision; Other Financial Institutions Supervision; Consumer Protection Department; Payment System Management Department and Financial Policy Regulations Department.
“Most of the bank’s headquarters are in Lagos. The CBN usually sends staff from Abuja to work in Lagos for like one to two months and return to the head office.
“Being on the road all the time is not safe for them and not also cost-efficient for the bank. We know that anybody leaving their comfort would feel the pain, that is why some of the affected workers are complaining but I can assure you that, it is for their good,” he said.
He also noted that the carrying capacity of the Abuja office is 3,000 but the staff strength is at 4,000 now which is a threat to the facilities at the head office.