The Finance Minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed,
clarified on Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari has allowed skeletal
operations in the financial system and money markets during the lockdown in
Lagos, Abuja and Ogun.
In a statement on Monday titled: “Notice to
affected stakeholders and general public regarding COVID-19 and restrictions in
movement of persons”, bankers are expected to be handed new directives.
The minister said in light of the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on many countries around the world, President Muhammadu Buhari is highly applauded and appreciated for the appropriate and proactive restrictions in personal and vehicular movements.
According to her,
these restrictions are critical to significantly reduce the transmission rate
of the disease and make it easier for health professional to trace, test and
isolate patients.
“To ensure that Nigerians can still perform
online transactions and use of ATMs whilst observing these restrictions, we
will like to inform the general public and all affected stakeholders that we
have obtained exemptions from the President to allow very skeletal operations
in the financial system and money markets in order to keep the system in light
operations during the time.
“To this end, all relevant staff of affected outfits and agencies should look out for further instructions from their immediate bosses.
“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.
“We urge all
Nigerians to be patient, cooperative and united as all hands are on deck to
defeat this virus,” she pleaded.