Naira Scarcity: 17 Bank Branches Attacked, Bank Workers Threaten Strike

Naira scarcity has resulted in attacks on 17 bank branches and N5 billion loss for the Deposit Money Banks (DMB), as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) struggles to implement the Naira redesign policy.

This was disclosed by the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), on Thursday, 17 February 2023.

According to the association’s President Oluwole Olusoji, banks are also suffering from the Naira scarcity, and this could affect their operations. 

Prime Business Africa previously reported that bank buildings and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have been destroyed in the protests that have trialled the Naira scarcity.

Olusoji confirmed this, adding that workers at the banks have also lost their possession to the attacks, and they might have to withdraw their services for safety.

He said even though bank workers are willing to go the extra mile, the association will not put their lives at risk. Olusoji disclosed that workers have been put on alert and could withdraw their services without warning if the attacks on bank employees continue.

“Notwithstanding the insecurity due to the destruction of business premises within the banking industry, and the impact on insurance organizations, we remain committed to going the extra mile in providing service to our customers in safe and secure environments.

“However, we value the lives of our members and colleagues and will not put them at any further risk. We have, therefore, put them on alert and shall instruct them without further warning to immediately stay away from their branches if these attacks on our members and facilities continue until such a time that they can be guaranteed their personal safety and the security of their workplaces by the relevant authorities. 

“We call on the public to desist from threatening or attacking our members, or destroying our properties as they will be only proverbially cutting their noses to spite their faces. We can only give what we have been provided with and nothing more.”