Banks To Remain Open During 14-Day Lockdown

Following the lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States by President Muhammed Buhari, the Central Bank Of Nigeria(CBN) has said financial institutions would remain operational during the period.

Recall that the president on Sunday issued a directive restricting the movement of people in the affected states and the FCT with effect from 11pm on Monday, March 30, 2020, as a response to the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic.

However in a statement by the CBN spokesperson Isaac Okarafor, the apex bank warned Nigerians against panic withdrawals from their banks. 

”Relevant security agencies have been requested to grant passage to critical staff of these institutions to enable essential and strategic financial transactions to go undisrupted during the period of the lockdown.”
 
In view of the ongoing restrictions and in order to check further spread of the corona virus disease, the CBN also urged Nigerians to limit their use of cash and avail themselves of the use of alternative payment channels such as mobilebanking, Internet banking, Mobile money, Point of Sale, and USSD.

“We also urge all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the movement restrictions and follow stipulated guidelines by the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant health agencies of government to curb possible spread of the virus in Nigeria,” the statement read