As the planned nationwide hunger strike is set to begin on Thursday, August 1, 2024, banks and other financial institutions across the country have decided to close their doors.
While no official announcements have been made, discussions with bank employees reveal that they have been advised not to report to work as the banks closely monitor the protest situation.
One banker, speaking anonymously to TheNigeriaLawyer, expressed concerns over the potential for violence, stating, “You saw what happened during previous protests, banks were targets. We don’t want a repeat of a similar experience, hence we have been advised to monitor the situation first and then we know where to go from there.” Another banker based in Lagos simply said, “I’m not going to work tomorrow,” when asked about their plans.
Leadway Pensure, a Pension Fund Administrator, informed its customers via email that all offices will be closed on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, as they assess the situation. The company urged its clients to utilize digital channels for their transactions during this period.
Similarly, Meristem Securities Limited, an asset management firm, notified its customers that its offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja will be closed on Thursday, August 1, due to the upcoming nationwide protest. The firm advised its clients to use online channels for communication and transactions.
Anthony Abakpa, President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), told The PUNCH in an exclusive interview that banks will closely monitor the planned protest and assess how it unfolds.
He noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria has not given express approval for banks to close operations amid the protest. “Banks cannot close shop without the express approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We will monitor closely while we have advised our members to exercise extra caution and be alert to stay safe during and after,” Abakpa said.