The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned banks engaged in currency hoarding and hindering of cash distribution to desist from it or be ready to face severe sanction.
According to a circular titled: Mystery Shopping&Spot Checks on Cash disbursement Activities of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), and signed by Acting Director, Currency Operations Department, Solaja, Mohammed J. Olayemi, the Apex Bank stated that the initiatives were introduced to: monitor and prevent practices that facilitate flow of mint bank notes to hawkers of Naira cash and also discourage the abuse of the Naira.
The statement read: “Ensure that DMBs support efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that: DMBs, to whom cash seized from “hawkers” of cash is traced, will be penalized 10% of the total value of cash withdrawn on the day the seized cash was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“Every subsequent offense will be charged an incremental penalty of 5 per cent. DMBs found engaging in cash hoarding, diversion, or any actions that hinder efficient cash distribution, including violations of the Clean Note Policy, will incur appropriate sanctions.
“As we approach the yuletide season, with an anticipated increase in cash demand, DMBs are advised to implement internal controls for responsible disbursement and accountability in respect of mint banknotes payouts at their outlets.
“To enhance public access to cash, we encourage banks to prioritise cash distribution through ATMs. During this season, the Bank, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, will intensify spot checks and mystery shopping activities to monitor and enforce responsible cash distribution and prevent Naira abuse.”