CBN Provides Phone Numbers for Customers to Report Scarcity of Money in ATMs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released telephone numbers for bank customers to report difficulties experienced while trying to withdraw cash over the counter or via the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The CBN announced this through a circular released on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.

In recent times, bank customers have experienced difficulty trying to get cash from banks’ ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) agents. This has resulted in a hike in withdrawal charges by some of the POS operators.

It could be recalled that while speaking at the recent Annual Bankers’ Dinner held in Lagos State, the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso urged Nigerians to report difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs to the apex bank from December 1, 2024. The CBN, in a circular jointly signed by its acting Director of Currency Operations, Mr. Solaja Olayemi, and the acting Director of Branch Operations, Mrs. Isa-Olatinwo Aisha, provided telephone numbers to help address customers’ challenges.

The apex bank stated: “Please refer to the various engagements and interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the above subject aimed at addressing efficient and optimal currency circulation in the economy. “As part of these ongoing efforts, we would like to draw your attention to the following directives and Guidelines:

“Deposit Money Banks (DMBs): DMBs are directed to ensure efficient cash disbursement to customers Over-the-Counter (OTC) and through ATMs as the CBN will intensify its oversight roles to enforce this directive and ensure compliance.

“General Public Reporting: Members of the public who are unable to obtain cash Over-the-Counter or through ATMs at DMBs, are encouraged to report these instances using the designated reporting channels and format provided below.

“This will assist CBN in addressing issues hindering the availability of cash and further improve currency circulation.”

To make a report of a bank branch or ATM not dispensing cash, the CBN said affected customers are to provide the relevant details which include, “account name/name of the DMB/amount /time and date of Incident(s) amongst others via the following dedicated channels.”

The CBN added: “Phone Call: Designated phone number(s) of the CBN branch in the state where the incident(s) occurred.