Banks that give hawkers money will be penalized — CBN issues fresh directives

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed banks to primarily distribute cash through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

In a circular to banks on Friday, Solaja Olayemi, the acting director of the CBN’s currency operations department, cautioned banks against handing naira notes to individuals involved in the illegal sale of the currency.

The apex bank said it commenced spot checks to ensure efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public and prevent the disbursement of mint banknotes to persons hawking naira notes.

“Please refer to the subsisting circular on mystery shopping exercise and periodic spot checks on cash distribution/disbursement activities of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

As you will recall, these initiatives were introduced to:

1. Monitor and prevent practices that facilitate flow of mint banknotes to “hawkers” of naira cash, thereby discouraging abuse of the Naira; and 2. Ensure that DMBs support efficient and responsible cash disbursement to the public.

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For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that: a) DMBs, to whom cash seized from “hawkers” of cash is traced, will be penalized 10% of the total value of cash withdrawn on the day the seized cash was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).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%. Banks 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 access to cash, we encourage banks to prioritize cash distribution through ATMs,” the circular reads.