A good number of Banks operating within Owerri metropolis, Imo State capital opened for business this weekend, in compliance with the directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to ease off the excruciating effects of the current cash crunch being experienced across the country.
Customers are expressing relief, noting that they can now have access to their money without facing long queues at the Banks and other cash dispensing points.
A visit by the AIT crew to business areas of Owerri, the Imo State capital on Saturday and Sunday indicates that over 80 percent of commercial banks operating in the State complied with the CBN directive, while the premises of just a few banks were under lock.
Also Read: Naira Scarcity: Residents in Gombe state call for more defined monetary policy implementation
The Nigerian apex bank had on Friday reportedly disbursed a huge number of banknotes to commercial banks in the country, directing them to immediately dispense the cash to customers in other to clean up the cash crunch in the system.
Some of the Bank customers who spoke expressed excitement at the ease of getting cash once again, after several months of difficulties and suffering.
But, for POS Agents, it is a situation of mixed feelings over the latest development in the CBN monetary directives.
Precious Ezike and Samuel Anayo are lamenting the high charges on them by Banks and other money dealers which have denied them the opportunity to thrive in their businesses.
They contend that the way out is for the Central Bank of Nigeria to inject more Naira notes into circulation within the next five days.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
