Bank customers in Bayelsa State swarmed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Yenagoa branch on Wednesday to deposit their old naira notes, as the CBN requested in an effort to manage the currency redesign crisis. Our correspondent, who visited the CBN office on Ox‑Bow Lake Road, noted a handwritten notice on the interior wall of the gate that displayed only a website address: https://crs.cbn.gov.ng. Customers were seen copying and photographing the link with their phones so they could begin the online process of depositing their old notes with the apex bank.
One customer, who identified herself simply as Emmanuella, described the procedure as “very difficult” and expressed frustration with the situation. “The process is very difficult. I don’t know what to say; everybody in Nigeria is frustrated and they don’t know what to do. I actually don’t like the situation but we have to do it (go online),” she said.
Another customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he was comfortable with the process despite the hardship, but urged that it be made more flexible. He recounted that a CBN officer informed them that some commercial banks, such as Zenith Bank and Sterling Bank, were receiving old naira notes. “The officer told us that if you know anyone banking with those banks, you can collaborate with them and give them your money to deposit. However, some people went to these banks only to be told that the banks were rejecting old naira notes,” he explained. “CBN told us they have launched a website where we will fill out a form online, bring our money to deposit, and then submit our account details. To some extent, I am okay with the process, but the situation is biting; it should be a little softer so that people can have access to their money in the bank.”
Attempts to speak with CBN officials, including branch manager Joseph Omayuku, were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly engaged in a crucial meeting.
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