The CBN has set March 1 as the deadline for the exercise in order to prevent clients’ accounts from being blocked.
The Federal Government (FG) has been encouraged by the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan to extend the time frame for bank clients to link their National Identity Numbers (NIN) with their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).
The Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Ibadan, made a plea to the government on Wednesday during a news conference held by the archdiocese in Ibadan.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) set March 1 as the deadline for the procedure in order to prevent clients’ accounts from being banned, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Banks, however, have persisted with the exercise and are advising their clients to take the appropriate action prior to the introduction of a new deadline. Abegunrin
stated that the exercise ought to be extended as long as feasible in order to reduce the tension that residents experience when attempting to comply with the law.
He believes that facilities that will facilitate and expedite the activity should be provided by the government. The exercise had been implemented with much distress and concern, the archbishop said, notwithstanding the government’s good intentions.
“Citizens who seek quick access to their money shouldn’t have to endure agony and stress from the banking industry after the cashless policy and naira scarcity in 2023.
“We call on government at all levels to rise to the occasion, keeping in mind the current economic climate.
“Programs for social welfare should be expanded to all citizens; let money given to the people be used for that reason alone,” he uttered.
The priest also instructed the Oyo State Government to guarantee that everyone in the state has enough security provided by the state’s several security groups. He claims that in the absence of security, people will turn to jungle justice, which could have an impact on the state’s population living in harmony with one another.
He voiced concern about the fact that many young people were still leaving Nigeria in search of better opportunities due to a lack of work and the harsh economic realities. Although the “japa” syndrome might have some short-term economic advantages, according to Abegunrin, it will ultimately result in brain drain and a decline in population.
After that, he made a call to the All tiers of government should establish efficient systems that offer chances for adults and children to work for pay. He pointed out that the Catholics established their institutions to mold the lives of future national and state leaders because they believed in holistic education.
“It’s time for these schools to be reopened; the church can accomplish more with fewer resources—numbers from other Catholic schools around the country support this,” he continued.
Abegunrin encouraged Muslims and Christians who were fasting as required by their religion to use the time to pray for the nation and Oyo State.
As genuine descendants of Abraham, if we all genuinely care for one another, our two religions will become powerful tools for the state’s partnership and harmonious cohabitation.
Therefore, we urge adherents of various religions to uphold their teachings of love and unity and to abstain from animosity and division,” Abegunrin said.
