By Ken Chiwendu
Commercial banks in the country are asking their customers to bring in their old N1000,N500 notes to their branches nationwide saying they are and open on Saturday
Prominent among the banks are,Guaranty Trust Bank ( GTCO), Eco Bank,UBA, and First Bank.
The banks request runs contrary to the directive given by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN that the notes which had ceased to be legal tender should be deposited by customers at any branch of the CBN.
Earlier on Friday , reports indicated that the CBN had directed commercial banks in the country to collect the old N500 and N1,000 from customers.
But the apex bank distanced itself from the report in a statement issued by its Spokesman,Osita Nwanisobi later in the day.
The statement reads “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorized messages quoting the CBN as having authorized the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 Banknotes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr. President’s broadcast of February 16, 2023, the CBN has been directed to ONLY re-issue and recirculates the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023.
“Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject. Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE verify any information from the correct sources before publication.”
