Group urges FG to grant FCT Status to Lagos, Rivers

The Growth and Development of Northern Nigeria (GDNN) has urged the Federal Government to classify Lagos and Rivers states as Federal Capital Territories, noting that both states play key roles in the nation’s economy and should enjoy national protection and equal access for all Nigerians.

Haruna Buhari, Acting Secretary of GDNN’s Public Policy Advocacy Unit, made this appeal during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday. He disclosed that the resolution came from the organisation’s 18th Steering Committee meeting which took place on April 9, 2025.

According to Buhari, extending Federal Capital Territory status to Lagos and Port Harcourt would help address recurring political tensions, secure national assets under federal control, and offer all citizens the same opportunities currently enjoyed in Abuja.

He said, “The GDNN notes that the North has always made concessions to other parts of the country. Limiting the Federal Capital Territory status to only Abuja is unfair to the North and goes against the commitment made in 1975 by then Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, when the decision was made to develop Abuja and declare Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu as ‘Special Areas’ tied to the new Federal Capital City.”

The group also urged the 19 Northern Governors to negotiate new governance arrangements for the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that states such as Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Kaduna, which contributed land to the FCT, receive preferential treatment. GDNN added that this model can also apply to other federal territories when created.

GDNN further criticised what it described as the weakening of the Nigerian Senate under its current leadership. It condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and referenced previous similar cases involving late Senator Nuhu Aliyu, Senator Ali Ndume, and Senator Abdul Ningi. The organisation accused the Senate leadership of using its internal rules to suppress voices of opposition, particularly those from Northern Nigeria.

Buhari stated that all senators who have faced such treatment so far have been from the North, warning that misuse of executive power comes with serious consequences.

The group also expressed disappointment over the country’s worsening insecurity and urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to seek support from friendly foreign nations with the technical capacity to eliminate the threat, especially if current efforts are not yielding results.

GDNN criticised the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to increase the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), describing the move as harmful to economic growth, inflation control, and public access to financial services.

Buhari further advised the Federal Government to cut off any relationship with USAID or similar agencies, reminding that the original body was dissolved by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He said Nigeria must reassess its partnerships with international donor agencies by identifying its key needs and defining the terms of future cooperation, stressing that the country has enough resources to cater to itself.

He also raised concern over Nigeria’s laws against money laundering, saying they have wrongly criminalised many honest traders who deal in high-volume cash transactions, especially those operating in open markets.

Finally, GDNN sounded a warning over an impending environmental and health disaster due to the worsening condition of the Mpape landfill dumpsite in Abuja.