Nigerian Banks Sanctioned for Cash Crunch During Yuletide Amid Rumors of Political Collusion
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed heavy penalties on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to ensure the availability of naira notes through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) during the festive season, despite repeated warnings. Each affected bank has been fined ₦150 million for breaching the CBN's cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their operations.
This enforcement action underscores the CBN’s commitment to addressing the cash scarcity that disrupted the festive celebrations for many Nigerians. The penalized banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc. The fines are to be deducted directly from the banks' accounts with the apex bank.
Hakama Sidi Ali, the acting director of corporate communications at the CBN, stated, “Ensuring seamless cash flow is critical to maintaining public trust and economic stability. The CBN will not hesitate to impose additional sanctions on any institution that violates cash circulation policies.”
Meanwhile, rumors have swirled about alleged deals between bank executives and politicians, raising concerns over the diversion of cash to political activities during the yuletide season. This speculation stems from the well-known trend of increased cash transactions by politicians during the period.
The CBN has intensified investigations and monitoring to curb cash hoarding and rationing at bank branches and Point-of-Sale (POS) outlets. The apex bank is also collaborating with security agencies to combat illegal cash sales and enforce the daily withdrawal limit of ₦1.2 million for POS operators.
With these measures, the CBN aims to restore public confidence in the banking system while ensuring that citizens have uninterrupted access to cash during critical periods.
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