The confusion currently colouring the banking sector in the country bred another twist on Friday as the Central Bank of Nigeria and some commercial banks sent out statements that conflicted each other.
After a report initially came out that banks would now be accepting old N500 and N1,000 notes from the people, the apex bank later issued a statement that the information was unathorised and fake.
The United Bank of Africa and First Bank, however, sent out messages indicating that they were still accepting the old naira notes.
Below are some of messages from the three:
CBN Press Release Format 17022023
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has described as false, news going round that it authorised Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to accept the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news that the apex bank authorised DMBs to accept the old notes broke on Friday and went viral.
According to CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr Osita Nwanisobi, the news is false.
“The attention of the CBN has been drawn to some fake and unauthorised messages quoting the CBN as having authorised the DMBs to collect the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr President’s broadcast of Feb. 16, the CBN has been directed to only reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes.
“This is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10.
“Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and information not formally released by the CBN on this subject, ” he said.
He advised media practitioners to verify information from the appropriate sources before publication.
– NAN
