CBN gives update on Naira scarcity

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has said enough Naira notes are in circulation amid reports of scarcity of banknotes.

In a statement issued by the Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, the apex bank explained the reasons behind the scarcity of Naira notes in some parts of the country.

CBN’s reaction is coming amid a series of complaints by some bank customers concerning the scarcity of Naira notes at bank counters, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Points of Sale (PoS), and Bureaux de Change (BDCs).

However, the apex bank said the seeming currency scarcity was occasioned by large volume withdrawals of cash from various CBN branches by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

It stated that panic withdrawals by bank customers were also partly responsible for the seeming scarcity.

The CBN said there is no shortage of naira notes, noting that there is adequate supply of the currency in the economy.

“The attention of the CBN has been drawn to reports of alleged scarcity of cash at banks, ATMs, PoS and BDCs in some major cities across the country.

“Our findings reveal that the seeming cash scarcity in some locations is due largely to high volume withdrawals from the CBN branches by DMBs and panic withdrawals by customers from the ATMs.

“While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country,” the statement reads.

I’m suffering over naira scarcity, my family can’t cook- Orji Uzor Kalu

Former Governor of Abia state and senator representing Abia North in the national assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu has said that he and his family are suffering over the Naira redesign and cashless policy. 

Appearing on a Channels Television program on Monday, February 20, Orji Uzor Kalu claimed that his family can no longer cook over the policy. 

He said; 

“You can see the policy is right but I don’t keep money in my house. I am suffering.

“The other day, my house manager told my wife in Abuja that we have no money to cook food. My wife was virtually roaming around and we feed over 250 people every day. It is a problem to me and to everybody.” 

Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive for the Central Bank of Nigeria to make N200 notes circulate until the eve of the March 11 governorship election, Kalu said; 

“This is why if I am in the position of the Mr President as I have told you before, I will listen to the Supreme Court judgement.

The Supreme Court to me, whether they are right or wrong, Mr President should obey the law and ask his Attorney General to put a review to the Supreme Court.”

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