Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sanctioned nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) including First Bank Plc,Union Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and five others for failing to make Naira notes available through automated teller machines (ATMs) for customers during the yuletide season.
The apex bank fined each of the affected banks, ₦150 million each which also included Fidelity Bank Plc,Keystone Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc for non-compliance, in line with the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their branches.
The enforcement action follows repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to guarantee seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.
Communication with the banks revealed that the fines would be debited directly from their accounts with CBN
The Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali confirmed the development, noting that “Ensuring seamless cash flow is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability.
“The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines,” she stated.
The CBN’s investigations and monitoring will continue to scrutinise cash hoarding and rationing, both at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.
The Central Bank is working with security agencies to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal limit of N1.2 million.
Governor Olayemi Cardoso, in his address at the Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in November 2024, warned banks to strictly adhere to cash distribution policies or face severe penalties.
He underscored the CBN’s commitment to maintaining a robust cash buffer to meet Nigerians’ needs. “Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system,” Cardoso said.
The CBN urged all financial institutions to comply with its guidelines, warning that further violations would attract swift and decisive sanctions.
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