Naira scarcity: CIBN calls for calm, says banks’ll remain open

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) says it was liaising with banks’ CEOs to address the current challenges caused by the cash swap and scarcity of the redesigned naira notes.

The CIBN President, Dr Ken Opara, made this known via a statement issued on Saturday.

Opara stated that banks would continue to remain open to serve the public as long as it was safe to do so.

He said: “The safety and security of staff of banks is of paramount importance.

“Hence, where there is security challenge, the Management of banks have been empowered to take proactive measures to close their operations in such location and inform the Central Bank of Nigeria.

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“Therefore, the safety concerns being expressed in various quarters are already being addressed.

“Banks will continue to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to protect staff and customers whilst safeguarding their assets in contending with the current challenge.”

The CIBN boss enjoined Nigerians to remain calm and eschew any act of violence, adding that the banking industry remained resolute and committed to finding ways to address all the related issues.

“We indeed appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work together towards restoring normalcy,” he said.

Many commercial banks have been attacked by bank customers with protests recorded in different states across the country over the scarcity of naira notes.

The Star