The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) sued for calm among the public> This is even as the Institute said it was liaising with the Body of Banks CEOs to address the current challenges caused by the cash swap and scarcity of the redesigned banknotes across the country.
Dr Ken Opara, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, said this in a statement over the weekend, assured that the banks would continue to remain open to serve the public as long as it was safe to do so, noting however that the safety and security of staff of banks is of paramount importance.
He further stated “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), adding that the safety concerns being expressed in various quarters are already being addressed.
According to him, “Banks will continue to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to protect staff and customers whilst safeguarding their assets in contending with the current challenge”.
He appealed to the general public to remain calm and eschew any act of violence adding that the banking industry remained 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,” he said.
Many commercial banks across the country have come under serious attack by frustrated bank customers who were protesting their inability to access their funds. Recently a video clip went viral showing some bank staff caling the fence of their bank in other to escape from angry bank customers.