The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) announced that banks should resume operations on Monday, February 20, 2023. The association made this statement while suspending its planned strike action for that day. This follows a series of protests and the destruction of bank facilities across the country amid the naira scarcity.
ASSBIFI President Olusoji Oluwole disclosed the decision on Sunday, but cautioned members to close their doors and gates to customers if their safety is threatened. He explained that recent unwarranted attacks on ASSBIFI members, other bank workers, and the destruction of several branches in various states forced the association to issue a stay‑at‑home order to protect lives and property.
“Based on the outcome of our discussion, we hereby release the following statements: while our members will resume work at their functional branches immediately, the safety and security of their lives remain paramount. We continue to demand visible and adequate security in all operational areas, especially in places traditionally known to be volatile,” Oluwole said. “In the event of any threat of attack by the public without visible protection, they have been advised to shut down and move to safe locations until their safety can be guaranteed.”
He further advised members to assess the security situation in their environments before opening for business. Oluwole also expressed concern over inciting and threatening statements that followed the initial inability of banks to accept old N1000 and N500 notes, as instructed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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