The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released telephone numbers through which the public could report errant Point of Sale (PoS) agents exploiting the public by selling new Naira notes, or charging above N200 for withdrawal of amounts up to N10,000.
The Director, Governor’s Department of the CBN, Mr. Joseph Omayuku, stated this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
While warning syndicates engaging in illegal practices to desist forthwith, Omayuku advised the public to report erring POS agents by reaching out to the CBN Contact Centre on 07002255226; Telephone Ext: 711025 – 7; contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng and its social media handles.
The scarcity of the naira caused by the CBN’s redesign policy has unsettled many Nigerians who, for more than two weeks, have been besieging commercial bank branches, forming long queues to access the new Naira notes.
Many have complained of hitches in online payment platforms of banks leading to failed transactions.
Observers said the hitches occur because digital platforms are not strong enough to accommodate the surge of electronic transactions in recent times as people resort to online payments in response to scarcity of cash.
Those who reject online payments cite challenges associated with it as reasons, but Omayuku said it is not as bad as to warrant rejection of transfer payments.
Besides expanding the financial inclusion space, the digital banking platforms have proved a huge source of tax revenue for the government.