Commercial banks in Nigeria refunded N89.2 billion to customers over complaints as at the end of June this year,according to the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN),Dr.Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele, disclosed during a CBN Fair held simultaneously in Cross River and Akwa Ibom with the theme “Promoting financial stability and economic development”,where he said
the total number of complaints from customers of banks as at June was 23,526 while 22,173 were resolved.
He was represented at the event by Mr Osita Nwanisobi, Acting Director, Corporate Communication Department of the apex bank.
He explained that the fair became necessary to create awareness on CBN interventions and how it was impacting on the lives and businesses of the people.
He added:“When the CBN governor assumed duty as the 11th governor of the apex bank, he made a profound statement that he wants a people-centered CBN and you cannot have that if you do not engage. Also, CBN has about 37 targeted interventions which include The Targeted Credit Facility, Health Sector Intervention, Commercial Agric Credit Scheme, Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Fund and others.
“In addition, we want to use this opportunity to build the confidence of Nigerians that the nation’s financial institutions are resilient, stable and safe. Nigerians have nothing to fear as the CBN carries out a periodic examination of the banks”
He spoke on the issue digital currency by the CBN, and emphasized the need for Nigerians to understand that cryptocurrencies are issued by unknown entities without regulations.
According to him, the digital currency which CBN intends to issue would be regulated by the apex bank and it can be used for the nation’s monetary policy.
Speaking,Mr Daramola Atanda, Head, Consumer Protection Department of the apex bank,noted that Nigerians must know their rights as customers and report cases of violations to the CBN on 07002255226 or cpd@cbn.gov.ng.
He implored bank customers to be responsible as there were issues that were in their own purview; such as understanding the package given to them by a bank.
He also appealed to customers to ensure that they repay their loans and also protect their financial instruments such as their debit cards and others.
Meanwhile,the Nigerian Ethnic Youth Leaders Council and Lawyers,has described the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has been described as courageous economic pillar of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
In a birthday statement by Ohanaeze Secretary General and Head of Coalition secretariat, Nwada Ike Chiamaka, the group noted that Emefiele’s fiscal and monetary policies have further repositioned the nations economy for rapid growth.
It commended the apex bank for its robust programme and intervention on agriculture, education and now on forex, which are bold steps in stabilising the economy.
The group said: “We, members of the Nigerian Ethnic Youth Leaders Council, rejoice with you on the joyous occasion of your 60th birthday. We recognize you as courageous economic pillar of this administration whose fiscal and monetary policies have further repositioned the nations economy for rapid growth.With our members cutting across all the geopolitical zones of the country, we are aware that you have saved a generation with your people’s-friendly policies as the CBN Governor.
“Emefiele had by these people oriented policies saved our generation and we want to encourage him not to relent or be distracted by the orchestrated attacks in some quarters. We the Ethnic Council and Lawyers proudly associate with the CBN Governor on this auspicious occasion
