The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Corporate Communications Department, Osita Nwanisobi has announced that the CBN is ordering all deposit money banks to commence Saturday banking till January 31, 2023.
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Nwanisobi said this is in line with the CBN policy to redesign the N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes and to enable customers to return existing naira notes.
Speaking at the CBN sensitisation, enlightenment, and bank fair in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Thursday, Nwasinobi, said that the new and existing notes shall remain legal tender until January 31, 2023, when the existing notes shall cease to be legal tender.
The CBN fair has as its theme, “Promoting financial stability and economic development.”
Represented by acting director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Akpama Uket, the director said that commercial banks have been directed to immediately start returning the existing currencies to the CBN.
“They have also been instructed to receive the existing banknotes beyond the threshold stipulated by the Cashless Policy without charges to customers.
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“Consequently, you must return all the current N200, N500, and N1,000
banknotes to your bank before the expiration of the deadline,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CBN warned Nigerians of the consequences of mishandling naira notes, saying, “Let me also reiterate the need to handle the naira with care. The naira remains a symbol of our national pride. Treat it with utmost dignity.
“Do not spray, squeeze or counterfeit the naira, as default goes with consequences.”
