Tinubu has no plans to move Nigeria capital to Lagos

A former spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed claims that the Nigerian government intends to relocate the country’s capital from Abuja to Lagos.

Denge Josef Onoh, who served as southeast spokesman for the president and chairs the forum of former members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, stated that the allegation is unfounded. The clarification comes amid ongoing speculation in parts of the country about possible changes to the seat of government.

Nigeria’s capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991. The relocation was intended to place the administrative centre in a more neutral geographic location, away from the commercial hub of Lagos in the southwest. Abuja was developed as a purpose-built capital in the centre of the country.

The persistence of rumours about a possible return to Lagos reflects continuing debate over the balance of political and economic power between different regions. Lagos remains Nigeria’s largest city and commercial centre, hosting the country’s main port, stock exchange and many corporate headquarters.

Onoh’s statement seeks to put an end to the speculation, according to Vanguard Nigeria. No official announcement or policy document has suggested any move of federal institutions back to Lagos.

The clarification arrives at a time when the administration continues to focus on broader governance challenges, including economic reforms and infrastructure development across all regions. Observers note that any actual relocation of the capital would require extensive legislative and budgetary processes that have not been initiated.

Based on reporting by Vanguard Nigeria.