Nigerians lament scarcity of new, old naira notes.

• Published date: 01 February 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Nigerians have lamented the non-availability of old and new naira notes in ATMs and banks following the announcement of February 10 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the return of all old notes.

Those who spoke with The Nation expressed disgust over the non-availability of cash in banking halls and ATMs, saying the situation was killing economic activities.

A trader, Nenuwa Mmadu, said: 'We are talking about currency here. This currency I am not seeing it. The old one I have, I was asked to go and change the to new ones. I did so but it proved abortive. The bank informed me that neither was available. I finally got the old notes and on my transit from Ajah to Oshodi, transporters rejected them, I handed the new ones to them and they said it was fake. What do you want me to do, this country? I was even thrown out because they said I didn't have money and I had money in my pocket.'

A business owner, Obinna Mmadu, said the CBN should consider the plights of Nigerians. He said: 'It is not about the extension, can they meet up with our own demand? So many people are rejecting old money. When you talk to the local banks, they blame the CBN, when you go to CBN, they blame the local banks. We don't know who is responsible.

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