The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), says the banking industry in the country is strong, focused and committed to addressing all the contending issues in the sector.
A statement issued by Dr Ken Opara, the President of CIBN, on Monday, said the industry was committed to restoring normalcy in the system.
Opara was reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) planned to shut down some deposit money banks.
NewsWireNGR gathered that a viral WhatsApp audio which has been forwarded many times on the social media platform claimed the CBN planned to shut down six major commercial banks and money belonging to their customers would be lost.
According to the rumour-monger, the money collected from those accounts would be used to settle Nigeria’s debt.
He also enjoined the banks customers to go and withdraw their money to avoid losing it.
Dispelling rumours about the banking industry, Okpara said, its soundness has been reaffirmed severally by the CBN, which is the only body suited to assess the health of the financial industry.
“We equally like to allay the fears around the shortage of materials for printing the new naira notes, which the CBN has also discredited.
“This has also been debunked by the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Company, which described the story as false, baseless and misleading.
“NSPM has assured that it has made adequate arrangement to continuously produce redesigned naira notes as well as other denominations.
“We implore the public to disregard any contrary information as the entire banking community remains focused, and committed.
“The industry is also working round the clock to address all contending issues with a view to restoring normalcy.
“We indeed appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work together toward building the Nigeria of our dream,’’ he said.
