Nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have been sanctioned with a fine of N150 million each by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for failing to dispense cash via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) during the festive season.
This sanction follows spot checks conducted at their branches, revealing non-compliance with CBN’s cash distribution guidelines.
The banks fined are Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc. The fines, totalling N1.35 billion, will be debited from the banks’ accounts with the apex bank.
This was revealed in a press statement signed by Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications.
The statement reads in part, “In a clear message of zero tolerance for cash flow disruptions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sanctioned Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to make Naira notes available through automated teller machines (ATMs), during the yuletide season.
“Each bank was fined N150 million for non-compliance, in line with the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines, following spot checks on their branches. The enforcement action follows repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to guarantee seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.
“The affected banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.”
Sidi Ali confirmed the sanctions, stressing the importance of seamless cash availability. She said, “Ensuring seamless cash flow is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability. The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines.”
The CBN’s actions highlight its zero-tolerance stance on cash flow disruptions, particularly during high-demand periods. The regulator had previously warned banks about adhering to cash distribution policies.
Recall that the apex bank had announced intensified monitoring of cash hoarding and rationing, both at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. It is collaborating with security agencies to curb illegal cash sales and enforce the N1.2 million daily withdrawal limit for POS operators.
Sidi Ali stated that ongoing investigations and spot checks aim to ensure compliance and warned of further sanctions for violations.
The statement read, “The CBN’s investigations and monitoring will continue to scrutinise cash hoarding and rationing, both at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. The Central Bank is working with security agencies to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal limit of N1.2 million.”