A powerful coalition of Northern Nigerian groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other critical stakeholders, has called for an immediate relocation of bank headquarters to Abuja, the nation’s capital.

In a statement co-signed by prominent leaders, including Comrade Muhammed Usman Deba (CNG Coordinator for Gombe State), Comrade Habiba Isah Gaude (Voice for Rural Women), and Comrade Lawal Idris Lawantee (Acting Chairman, CSOs), the group made it clear that the current positioning of bank headquarters in certain states is unjust. These locations disproportionately benefit specific regions, undermining the contributions and potential of other areas, particularly in the northern part of the country.

The statement, released after a significant town hall meeting held in Gombe State, emphasized that Abuja, as the neutral and peaceful Federal Capital, should serve as the centralized hub for all major financial institutions. It pointed out that this change would help promote fairness in economic opportunities and ensure more balanced contributions across the country.

“The continued situating of bank headquarters in certain regions, while other areas remain sidelined, creates a severe imbalance in economic benefits,” the statement reads. “Abuja is the logical location for these institutions, offering a neutral ground free from regional or ethnic bias.”

The coalition’s call goes further, urging all Northern Governors and business owners to engage only with banks that comply with this new directive in all future financial dealings.

In addition to the demand for bank headquarters to move to Abuja, the group also tackled the pressing issue of Nigeria’s land border closures. The statement noted that the ongoing closure has had a crippling effect on the economy, particularly for communities living in border regions who are bearing the brunt of this policy.

The coalition urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to reopen the land borders to ease the economic strain on businesses and individuals, restore trade relations, and alleviate hardships faced by many Nigerians.