From Isaac Ojo, Ifeoma Ejiofor
Ahead the deadline stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) for Naira swap, the populace has been thrown into confusion and anxiety in the major towns of Anambra State.
As early as 6.30am, most of the banks in Awka were already crowded with people who wanted to beat the deadline.
One of the early callers to UBA branch close to the popular Aroma junction in Awka who identified himself as Nonso Ikechukwu said that he had to come to the bank on time to avoid a repeat of what happened to him the previous day.
“I am from Mgbakwu, I spent the whole of yesterday (Wednesday) here and couldn’t get a dime. When I got to this place yesterday, people have taken their numbers and I was not given any, I was told that I would be given a number after the people who came earlier have been cleared.
“Unfortunately, they couldn’t even clear those ones before the close of business yesterday, that is why I am here early today. Just trusting God that I will get some money to take care of pressing need in my family.”
“I was surprised that I still met desperate customers here who want to get money when I thought I was going to be the first in the bank.” He said.
Similar situations were observed in most of the commercial banks in Awka as security guards in different banks are finding it tough with frustrated and impatient customers.
In the industrial town of Nnewi, the situation has negatively affected business activities in the main market and beyond.
The chairman of Imo General Assembly(IGA) Nnewi North chapter, Chief Chinedu Igwe who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Suzuki Don Ventures while commenting on development said it has become a war situation.
He said that traders had to spend the whole of the trading hours in bank premises to get money for their transactions.
Chief Igwe said that the traders normally return home empty handed at the end of the day due to failure to get enough money to run their businesses.
He appealed to the federal government to reconsider some of the newly introduced fiscal policies which according to him are not traders friendly.
Another trader fingered the POS operators for making things difficult for the people.
“I am spending the whole time here in the bank because I cannot afford to pay POS operator N2000 to collect N10,000. I expect the government to do something about this development, people are suffering and those who are supposed to be our leaders are not saying anything.” He said.
A POS operator who pleaded for anonymity said that he was charging N2000 on N10000 because he had to buy the money he is using for transaction from a petrol station.
He claimed that he paid commission to the pump attendant who he made transfer to for cash.
“You may not believe this, I had to travel to a petrol station in the suburb of Ihiala to get the money I am using for my business now, the banks are not giving POS operators any money whether old or new, we have to think out of the box to source for funds.” He asserted.
People’s experience in the commercial town of Onitsha and environs are not different from what is obtainable in other parts of Anambra State.
It is stories of woes, frustration and anxiety among the populace about what the future holds for Nigerians.
