Yemisi Izuora
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sent a strong warning to banks involved in hoarding or hindering efficient cash distribution that it would not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against them.
The CBN in reference to earlier circular on mystery spot check on cash disbursement by banks said “please refer to the subsisting circular on mystery shopping and periodic spot checks on cash distribution/disbursement activities of Deposit money banks. “As you will recall, these initiatives were introduced to: monitor and prevent practices that facilitate flow of mint bank notes to hawkers of Naira cash, there by discouraging the abuse of the Naira.
“Ensure that DMBs support efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that: DMBs, to whom cash seized from “hawkers” of cash is traced, will be penalized 10% of the total value of cash withdrawn on the day the seized cash was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Every subsequent offense will be charged incremental penalty of 5%. DMBs found engaging in cash hoarding, diversion, or any actions that hinder efficient cash distribution, including violations of the Clean Note Policy, will incur appropriate sanctions.
“As we approach the yuletide season, with an anticipated increase in cash demand, DMBs are advised to implement internal controls for responsible disbursement and accountability in respect of mint banknotes payouts at their outlets.
To enhance public access to cash, we encourage banks to prioritise cash distribution through ATMs. During this season, the Bank, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, will intensify spot checks and mystery shopping activities to monitor and enforce responsible cash distribution and prevent Naira abuse”.