National Youth Council Calls for Improved e-banking services

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Nasarawa state, north central Nigeria, has called on commercial banks to improve their electronic banking services to ameliorate the hardships occasioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Cash Redesign Policy.

The Nasarawa State Chairman of NYCN, Mallam Jaafar Loko, made the call in a statement.

The CBN, in October 2022 announced the redesign of N200, N500 and N1,000 notes with the old notes ceasing to be legal tender by January 31, 2023.

However, since the implementation of the policy, Nigerians have faced difficulties obtaining the new notes.

Loko said the council was deeply concerned about the inability of people in the state to access cash and especially the difficulties experienced in the use of electronic banking services in many instances which are supposed to be a viable option to the use of cash.

He said the lack of adequate cash in circulation and the failure of the electronic banking services of commercial banks had no doubt caused severe discomfort among the people of the state and the country at large.

“We, however, commend the resilience of our people who in spite of the difficulties experienced as a result of the implementation of this policy, have maintained decorum and refused to unleash anger through the destruction of public facilities like it has been experienced in many parts of the country,” he said.

Loko who expressed support for efforts made by the Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa-led administration to ensure that commercial banks make cash available and improve electronic banking services, also called on the residents of the state to ensure to maintain peace during the difficult times.

“Furthermore, we appeal to young people and indeed the good people of Nasarawa State to remain patient while government takes measures to address all challenges associated with the implementation of its monetary policy.

“Be assured that we are together in this and we will do everything within our power to ensure that government is proactive and lives up to its responsibility,” he said.

NAN/Hauwa Abu