The Central Bank of Nigeria says the seeming Naira notes scarcity in the country is caused by large volume of withdrawals of cash from various CBN branches by Deposit Money Banks.
The apex bank, which disclosed this amidst complaints by some Nigerians about scarcity of Naira notes, said there is adequate supply of the currency.
Raye24reporters reports that many bank customers have raised concerns on scarcity of Naira notes at the counters, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Points of Sale (PoS), and Bureaux de Change (BDCs).
Some officials of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) also claimed that the DMBs were not getting adequate supply of cash from the CBN.
But, according to a statement issued by the Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, there is no shortage of Naira notes, as there is adequate supply of the currency in the economy.
It said that panic withdrawals by bank customers was also partly responsible for the seeming scarcity.
“The attention of the CBN has been drawn to reports of alleged scarcity of cash at banks, ATMs, PoS and BDCs in some major cities across the country.
“Our findings reveal that the seeming cash scarcity in some locations is due largely to high volume withdrawals from the CBN branches by DMBs and panic withdrawals by customers from the ATMs.
“While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country.
“The branches of the CBN across the country are also working to ensure the seamless circulation of cash in their respective states of operation,” it said.
The CBN advised members of the public to guard against panic withdrawals as there was sufficient stock to facilitate economic activities.
It also advised Nigerians to embrace alternative modes of payment, which would reduce pressure on using physical cash.
