News

CBN Decongests Dead Office, Moves Departments To Lagos

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria is set to transfer some of its departments to Lagos State.

This was stated in an Internal memo made available to The PUNCH on Saturday.

The move, according to an official of the CBN who spoke on condition of anonymity, 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 PUNCH gathered through the official that 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.

“Abuja office is designed to carry about 3 000 staff but we are 4 000 already. The facility managers have already warned of the implication; the security of staff is also at stake with the increased number because it overwhelms the managers,” the official stated.

Excerpts from the memo obtained read, “This is to notify all staff members at the CBN Head Office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimise the operational environment of the bank.

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

“This action is necessitated by several factors, including the need to align the Bank’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.

“The action plan focuses on optimising the utilisation of other Bank’s premises. With this plan, 1,533 staff will be moved to other CBN facilities within Abuja, Lagos and understaffed branches.

“Our current occupancy level of 4,233 significantly exceeds the optimal capacity of 2,700 designed for the Head Office building. This overcrowding poses several critical challenges:

“Safety Concerns: The building’s infrastructure was designed for a specific number of occupants. Exceeding this capacity has raised safety concerns, increased health and accident risks – and hinders efficient emergency evacuation.

“Reduced Efficiency: Crowded workspaces are negatively impacting productivity and collaboration. Additionally, overstretched facilities have led to increased maintenance costs.

“Structural Integrity: The building’s integrity can be compromised by exceeding its designed capacity.”

The memo further said the decongestion would also improve the apex bank’s operational and workflow efficiency.

“Strategic alignment: The decision to redistribute departments and staff is rooted in a strategic approach to align the structure of the Bank with its functions and objectives. Certain departments may be better suited to operate in proximity to Financial Institutions’ head offices, which are predominantly located in Lagos. This strategic alignment ensures optimal collaboration and efficiency,” the memo stated.

News

‘My Wife Keeps Late Nights, Returns Home Drunk, Denies Me Sex Since She Joined OPC’

Published

4 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Grade A Customary Court 2 sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the 13-year-old wedlock between a couple, Adisa and Falilat, on the grounds of no love, irresponsibility, drunkenness and keeping of late nights by the latter.

Adisa stated that Falilat became wild and uncontrollable after she joined the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).

Adisa explained that Falilat hardly slept at home and on the few occasions she did, she always denied him s3x.

According to the plaintiff, the last time he and the defendant had s3x was almost two years ago.

He added that their children always looked haggard and unkempt because she seldom cooks for them nor gave attention to their appearance.

Adisa said he could no longer stomach Falilat’s excesses and therefore prayed that their union be dissolved.

Falilat refused to come to court in spite of being served court summonses.

Adisa in his evidence said, My wife and I got married 13 years ago although I did not pay her bride price.

“The once intimate and steady relationship between my wife and I has turned sour and degenerated because of her rebellious nature.

“She has made life unbearable for me ever since she joined the OPC. Falilat is now wild and uncontrollable.

“She refuses to take instructions from me and dares that I do my worst any time we have a misunderstanding.

“My wife has completely abandoned her duties at home.

“She neither cooks for our children nor ensures that they appear neat. They look haggard and unkempt all the time.

“Falilat hardly sleeps at home. On the few occasions she did, she would return home in the middle of the night drunk and disturbing the neighbourhood.

“She has turned me into a source of ridicule in our compound and neighbourhood.

“Falilat denies me my conjugal right. The last time we had sex was almost two years ago.

“My lord, I am better off without a wife than have Falilat under my roof.

“I pray the court to stop our relationship so that I can have peace of mind.”

The court president, Mrs O.E Qwoseni, while giving her judgment stated that there was no marriage to be dissolved because no customary marriage was carried out and the bride price was not paid.

Owoseni added that the defendant was given ample opportunity to defend herself but that she failed to make use of the opportunity.

According to her, the evidence of the plaintiff was deemed admitted.

Ruling, Owoseni dissolved their union.

News

Tears As MKO Abiola’s Wife Doyinsola Laid To Rest In Lagos

Published

17 hours ago

September 12, 2025

Editor

Dr Doyinsola Abiola, pioneering journalist and widow of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was laid to rest on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, following a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.

Her burial concluded a week of tributes that began on Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, colleagues, and associates celebrated her groundbreaking contributions to journalism and her service to Nigeria.

The funeral service, officiated by Ven. Henry Adelegan, Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, featured scriptural readings by family and close associates. Psalm 91 was read by Midun Tobun, while the Epistle from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 was delivered by Suru Aboaba.

In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, reflected on Abiola’s legacy under the theme of restoration and hope. He hailed her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” noting her trailblazing achievements as Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to lead a national newspaper as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord.

“She stood resolutely with her husband during Nigeria’s democratic struggle, using Concord Newspapers as a powerful voice in the battle for freedom. Her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired and mentored,” Bishop Johnson said.

He also used the occasion to urge the government to confront Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, while easing the burden on citizens.

The service drew a distinguished audience, including President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti; former presidential aide Femi Adesina; Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola; Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine; Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times; and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

Following the service, her body was conveyed to her final resting place in Lekki, where she was laid to rest amid prayers, hymns, and heartfelt tributes.

Dr Doyinsola Abiola, who died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a defender of democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and enduring influence left an indelible mark on the nation.

News

Air Peace Reacts To NSIB’s Report On Drug, Alcohol

Published

20 hours ago

September 12, 2025

Editor

The management of Air Peace has reacted to media reports based on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, regarding an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.

The airline’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by its management and shared on its official X account on Friday.

Air Peace, which operates domestic and regional routes, has in recent years positioned itself as Nigeria’s flagship private carrier, with a reputation for relatively strong operational standards in an industry often plagued by safety concerns.

The airline is also IOSA-certified, a global safety benchmark by the International Air Transport Association.

The PUNCH reports that the NSIB on Friday indicted an Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol.

The accident investigators tested the crew positive for the substances after the aircraft they flew was involved in a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.

This was contained in a preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.

However, reacting to the report, on Friday, the airline’s statement partly read: “Our attention has been drawn to media stories on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) currently circulating online and in the media regarding the incident involving one of our aircraft at Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025.

“We are yet to receive any official communications from the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place in less than an hour of the incident.”

The carrier emphasised that it places the highest priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, describing the report as misleading.

“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, and it is important to set the record straight,” the statement said.

The airline further explained its internal policies on crew discipline, stating, “Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!”

Providing details of actions taken after the Port Harcourt incident, Air Peace revealed that the captain of the affected flight was grounded.

“The captain of the affected flight was grounded and relieved from further flight duty till date for failure to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and for disregarding standard go-around procedures as advised by his co-pilot but not for testing positive to the breathalyser test, as the result was not communicated to us by NSIB to date”, the airline’s statement added.

However, the airline defended the co-pilot, saying he acted professionally during the incident. “Contrary to reports in the media, the First Officer (Co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“The NCAA cleared him. If he was involved in drug or alcohol use, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would not have cleared him to resume flight duties”, it stated.

The airline added that if the relieved captain’s test result later proves positive, then it would “increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew.”

Air Peace also stressed the importance of retraining and stricter monitoring going forward.

“Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training cannot be overemphasised. We will intensify strict Fitness-for-Duty checks and Stronger Internal Monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy”, the statement continued.

Reassuring passengers and the Nigerian public, the airline added: “Air Peace has consistently maintained a strong safety record and strictly implements global best practices in all aspects of its operations, and we reassure our esteemed passengers and the Nigerian public that safety will never be compromised in Air Peace.”

The July 13, 2025, incident at Port Harcourt International Airport reportedly involved a go-around manoeuvre initiated by the co-pilot after the captain allegedly failed to adhere to standard landing procedures.

Media reports suggested that alcohol consumption may have been a factor, citing a breathalyser test.