The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria said on Friday that it was liaising with the Chief Executive Officers of the Body of Banks to address the current challenges caused by the redesign of the N1,000, N500, and N200 notes.
It stated that the banks would remain open to serve the public for as long as it was safe to do so.
It did, however, emphasise the importance of bank employees’ safety.
Several deposit money banks have been attacked by irate customers, with protests recorded in various states across the country due to the scarcity of the redesigned N1,000, N500, and N200 notes.
President Muhammadu Buhari declared the old N200 note legal tender until 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 Saturday PUNCH, 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, Reassure the Public that the Banks Will Remain Open So Long it’s Safe to Do So, read in part, “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.”
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