The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has embarked on a comprehensive "decongestion" plan for its Head Office. The initiative, outlined in a circular dated January 12, 2023, from the Director of the Human Resources Department to all staff, is driven by concerns for safety, increased health and accident risks, and the imperative to comply with building regulations.
The decision comes in response to repeated warnings from the facility manager and recommendations from the Committee on Decongestion of the CBN Head Office Building. The current occupancy level surpassing optimal capacity has prompted the CBN to relocate 1,533 staff to other facilities within Abuja, Lagos, and understaffed branches.
The move addresses critical challenges such as safety concerns, diminished efficiency, and potential compromise to the structural integrity of the building. By strategically aligning departments based on functions and objectives, the CBN aims to enhance operational and workflow efficiency. This includes relocating certain departments to be in proximity to financial institutions’ head offices, predominantly located in Lagos.
Recognizing the importance of diverse talents, the CBN seeks to distribute technical skills across all branches, addressing shortages at the branch level. Geographical mobility becomes a key focus, emphasizing staff rotations between branches to broaden perspectives, enhance adaptability, and foster collaboration.
The ongoing reorganization is a targeted effort towards process optimization, collaborating with Branch Controllers to tailor department placement to the unique strengths and needs of each branch. While acknowledging that change can be unsettling, the CBN is committed to keeping staff informed throughout the process. Individual notifications will be provided to affected departments and personnel by their respective Directors.