By Oluwatosin Maliki
The Central Bank of Nigeria has reassured customers and depositors of the safety of their funds in Banks, while emphasising the stability of the country’s banking sector.
This is according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN.
The apex bank advised the public to disregard false reports causing them distress, saying they should continue with their regular banking activities without any worries.
The CBN noted that Nigerian banks are fully equipped to carry out their statutory duty of upholding a stable financial system in the country.
The statement released by the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, on Wednesday, on behalf of the apex bank read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has noticed reports, in certain media outlets, about a recommendation for the Federal Government to take over some CBN-supervised financial institutions.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerian banks remain safe and sound. The CBN encourages the public to continue their regular activities without being alarmed by reports that have not emanated from the CBN about the health status of Nigerian banks.”
Also, “The CBN is fully equipped to carry out its statutory duty of upholding a stable financial system in Nigeria.”
“We assure the general public and depositors about the safety of their funds in Nigerian financial institutions.”
“Bank customers are therefore advised to proceed with their banking transactions as usual, as there is no cause for concern.”
The clarification is coming on the heels of the recently released report by the CBN’s special investigator, Jim Obazee, who revealed that the embattled former governor of the apex Bank, Godwin Emefiele, used proxies, to set up two financial institutions.
Consequently, the report fuelled speculations that the CBN may take over Titan Trust Bank (former Union Bank) and Keystone Bank, causing fear among Nigerians, resulting in panic withdrawals from banks.
Recall, Obazee was appointed by the presidency as a special investigator in July 2023. He submitted his final report tagged, ‘Report of the Special Investigation on CBN and Related Entities (Chargeable offences) to the Presidency on December 20, 2023.