The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has said, banks will remain open Monday to ensure lull in cash circulation in the country eases.
This appears to have nullified directives by the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) that bank workers stay away from office.
The CIBN said it is cooperating with with the Body of Banks Chief Executive Officers, CEOs to address the current challenges associated with newly designed Naira circulation.
As such, they assured that banks would continue to remain open to serve the public as long as it is safe to do so.
The safety and security of staff of banks is of paramount importance, said Ken Opara, President/Chairman of Council.
“Hence, where there is security challenge, the management of banks have been empowered to take proactive measures to close their operations in such location and inform the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Therefore, the safety concerns being expressed in various quarters are already being addressed.
“Banks will continue to ensure that adequate security are in place to protect staff and customers whilst safeguarding their assets 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 remain resolute and committed to finding ways to address all the related issues.
“We indeed appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work together towards restoring normalcy,” Opara added.
But ASSBIFI has directed all bank workers to stay away from work.
The directive is coming as more bank branches come under attack by hoodlums across the country owing to the current naira scarcity.
The association had on Thursday during a media briefing in Lagos, warned that it might be forced to direct its members to stay away from work if the attacks on banks and their staff were not immediately halted by the government and concerned security authorities.
In a follow-up statement signed by Olusoji Oluwole, ASSBIFI’s national President and dates February 17, the association said it’s National Secretariat has been inundated with reports of threats and attacks on lives and properties of members and bank branches.
The letter with reference ANS/IIR/JA/OP/5018 and addressed to all Unit President and Secretaries was titled, “Stay at home order.”
It reads, “The National Secretariat has been inundated with reports of threats and attacks on lives and properties of members and bank branches, and subsequently has been on the field to monitor and confirm the reports.