The message that claimed the Central Bank of Nigeria would shut down banking services for five days in preparation for Saturday’s presidential elections has been discredited by the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks, the umbrella organization for corporate and marketing communications professionals working in Nigeria’s banking industry.
Particularly, the reports stated that banks would cease operations between February 23 and February 27.
The ACAMB called the report fake news in a statement it released on Wednesday that was signed by President Rasheed Bolarinwa.
“There is no iota of truth in the viral message that is being circulated,” the statement read in part. As of right now, neither Deposit Money Banks nor any other financial service providers have received any instructions or communications from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directing them to close their physical banking halls or their digital platforms and online banking channels against their customers due to the upcoming elections.
Customers were reassured by ACAMB that banks had taken the necessary precautions to ensure that depositors could continue to access their funds during this time.
It continued, “Customers who wish to use electronic banking services or carry out transfers will have unimpeded access to these services prior to, during, and after the elections.”