The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) last Friday said it was liaising with the Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers to address the current challenges occasioned by the redesigned N1,000, N500, and N200 notes.
It said the banks would continue to remain open to serve the public as long as it was safe to do so, noting, however, that the safety of bank workers was paramount.
Several deposit money banks have come under attack by angry customers, with protests recorded in different states across the country, over the scarcity of the redesigned N1,000, N500, and N200 notes.
President Muhammadu Buhari last Thursday said the old N200 note would be legal tender till April 10, 2023, while urging Nigerians to deposit their old N500 and 1000 notes with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
However, the CIBN, in a statement signed by the President/Chairman of Council, Ken Opara, and made available to journalists, said the management of banks had been empowered to take proactive measures to close operations in locations where there was a security challenge and inform the CBN.
The statement, titled, “CIBN, Body of Banks CEOs, Sue for Calm”, reassured the public that “the banks will remain open as long as it’s safe to do so.
”Therefore, the safety concerns being expressed in various quarters are already being addressed.
“Banks will continue to ensure that adequate security is in place to protect staff and customers whilst safeguarding the assets of the banks in contending with the current challenge.
“Consequently, we appeal to the general public to remain calm and eschew any act of violence as the banking industry remains resolute and committed to finding ways to address all the related issues”, the statement reads.