COVID-19 Lockdown: Financial Institutions to be Allowed Skeletal Services
*NCDC tracing 6,000 people as COVID-19 cases hit 131
Financial institutions are to be exempted from total lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun state during the restrictions as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday. The lockdown begins Tuesday, March 31.
This followed an approval granted to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele Monday.
The two had sought for the President’s approval for skeletal operations in the financial system and money markets during the 14 days period of restrictions.
In a statement, the two explained “ We are mindful of the difficulties these restrictions would bring on ordinary Nigerians and are grateful to the president for approving these exemptions, which should help ease some of these burdens”.
The Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, in another statement said, “The public is therefore assured that financial institutions will remain operational during this period and therefore should guard against panic withdrawals from their banks.”
Okorafor said during the lockdown, security agencies will allow critical staff of CBN; banks, the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc; switching companies; mobile money operators and payment solution service providers safe passage.
He added. “We also urge all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the movement restrictions and follow stipulated guidelines by the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant health agencies of government to curb possible spread of the virus in Nigeria”.
However, CBN said clearing of cheques during the period of the restrictions will be suspended.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 131 cases of the coronavirus as at Monday.
The Centre also said it is tracing 6,000 people in Lagos and Abuja who are suspected contact with those who have so far tested positive.
The Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, is among the new 20 cases that brought the figure from 111 to 131.
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