There is a growing concern among workers as the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, commenced the decongestion of its head office in Abuja, affecting 1,533 staff.

A circular dated January 12, 2024, signed by the Director of the Human Resources Department of CBN to all staff, said the move was necessitated by safety concerns and the need to boost efficiency.

According to the apex bank, the action plan focuses on optimizing the utilization of other banks’ premises.

It added that the headquarters occupancy level of 4,233 significantly exceeds the optimal capacity of 2,700 for the head office building.

Consequently, 1,533 staff will be transferred from its head office to other CBN facilities within Abuja and Lagos and understaffed branches.

To this end, about 80 per cent of the Banking Supervision Department of the CBN staff have been transferred to Lagos State.

The official reason is that the head offices of the banks they’re supposed to supervise are located in Lagos, while a small number of staff members from the Department are left behind in Abuja.

“This is to notify all staff members at the CBN Head Office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimize the operational environment of the Bank.

“This initiative aims to ensure compliance with building safety standards and enhance the efficient utilization of our office space.

“This action is necessitated by several factors, including the need to align the Bank’sBank’s structure with its functions and objectives, redistribute skills to ensure a more even geographical spread of talent and comply with building regulations, as indicated by repeated warnings from the Facility Manager, and the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Decongestion of the CBN Head Office Building,” it stated.

However, the development sent a shockwave of uncertainties among staff who faulted the move.

A staff member who spoke under anonymity said, “The move is ill-planned. How does the management want those married to cope with the situation?”

Another source said, “I doubt the motive of the management. The decision has been made. Likely, the government is shifting attention to Lagos.”