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Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
In light of the deadline of January 31 for the use of old Naira notes as legal tender, Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has pleaded with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to grant a special concession and alternatives to the people of Yobe.
In a statement sent to the governor on Sunday by the director-general of press, affairs, and media, Mamman Mohammed, it was stated that Governor Buni thought the appeal was required because there are few banking facilities in the majority of the State.
He explained that only four of the State’s 17 local government areas have banks, making it challenging for residents of the remaining 13 local government areas to access banking services and replace their old Naira notes with new ones in time for the deadline.
Despite the state’s increased security, “some banks with branches in local government areas closed the branches at the height of the Boko Haram security challenge and have yet to reopen.
“In order to prevent making these areas victims and causing them to lose their money, the CBN should be considerate and offer special services to these areas with special needs.
“As a matter of urgent public interest, the CBN and commercial banks should deploy alternative services at their disposal to remedy the situation.
The governor was quoted in the statement as saying, “As a regulatory body, CBN should also ensure commercial banks open branches in the local government council headquarters now that there is improved peace and security throughout the State.”
According to Governor Buni, the increased security in Yobe State and the North-East generally makes it possible for banks to reopen their doors and establish new branches in local government centers and other cities.
Buni, however, expressed concern that many people might suffer if they don’t exchange their old Naira notes for the new ones unless something urgent is done.
“As a government, we made these observations earlier, but the problem still exists and needs the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention to be resolved,” Buni continued.
