Lagos Shouldn’t Enjoy the Spotlight Alone; Headquarters Must Return to Abuja – Jamilu Charanchi

In a strongly-worded statement that challenges Nigeria’s current economic centralization, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for dramatic reforms to redistribute the country’s commercial advantages beyond Lagos State.

Speaking in a video broadcast on Voice TV, CNG National Coordinator Jamilu Charanchi expressed deep concerns about the mounting economic pressures facing Nigerians, particularly regarding communication costs. “They are talking about even increasing the tariffs of communications. How will you think that Nigerians can afford any communication now?” Charanchi questioned.

The coalition’s demands include a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s import structure and corporate headquarters distribution. In his address, Charanchi emphasized, “We are saying categorically that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has any reform that he wants to do in this sector, we call on him firstly that all land borders in this country must be opened.”

The CNG coordinator highlighted what the group perceives as an unfair concentration of economic activity in Lagos State. According to Charanchi, “We cannot allow Lagos to be enjoying 70 to 80% of importation in this country.” He further insisted that “all communication companies, all headquarters of any company in Nigeria that is situated in Lagos should be taken back to Abuja.”

The coalition argues that this redistribution would ensure more equitable economic benefits across the nation. Charanchi concluded his statement by highlighting the perceived inequality in Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution, stating, “We cannot be consuming the goods and services while Lagos will be benefiting from the VAT.”