Nigerians are struggling to access the redesigned 200, 500, and 1,000 naira notes. Since there isn’t enough new cash in circulation, this has created a ripple effect with a variety of negative outcomes. The economy is currently at a standstill and the country has been thrown into chaos. The naira scarcity is particularly concerning, as this situation has left many Nigerians stranded. Unable to access their money, trade, feed, or travel for the elections.

The most significant effect of this cash drought is on consumers and businesses. These two groups of people heavily rely on cash transactions to survive and operate. Many small businesses have since shutdown and some big ventures are even facing the prospect of closure. Several Nigerians can be seen camping in front of various banks and ATMs across the country just to make withdrawals. Some of them have taken out their frustrations on their respective banks. By causing scenes, stirring violent movements, and riots, and going as far as destroying private and government properties.

Companies that depend on cash transactions are equally finding it very difficult to make ends meet. Or carry out their financial obligations like payment of employee salaries. The shortage of cash flow is leading to significant job losses.

POS Operators Are Benefiting From Nigeria’s Cash Crisis

Another major issue that the naira scarcity has stirred up is inflated POS charges. POS operators are now charging exorbitant fees for withdrawals. POS operators seem to be profiting from the cash crisis. Some are demanding up to 25% fees before the withdrawal of the new notes. Nigerians have decried the outrageous fees. Which are less than the normal 10% fees that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) authorized for POS operators. The operators have blamed the crisis on the low circulation of cash. Saying that they too need to make up for the losses they are presently incurring. Hence, people are being forced to pay more just to access their own money, which is further exacerbating the crisis.

To make matters worse, Nigerians are queueing in banks and ATMs all day to withdraw money. But receive less to nothing due to banks’ limitations on the new cash dispensation. And banks are currently facing a major liquidity crisis because the new naira notes are in short supply. EFCC operatives have busted dozens of banks hoarding the new naira notes across the country. In light of this, many Nigerians have turned to POS operators.

Nigerians are throwing pressing questions and concerns. What is CBN saying about old naira notes?. What is the latest news on new naira notes?. We can see that the evidence of frustration with the naira scarcity is nationwide destruction. Angry mobs are burning down banks, looting, protests, killings, etc as seen on social media platforms.

What Is CBN Saying About Nigeria’s Cash Crisis?

The Central Bank of Nigeria announced that it is putting measures in place to resolve the naira scarcity. And to also ensure that the new naira notes are in full circulation.

CBN has also urged Nigerians to use other payment methods wherever possible. With banks unable to dispense physical cash, Nigerians quickly resorted to purchasing and paying online. This has greatly spurred digital transactions. Yet digital transactions in most banks have witnessed fluctuations since the beginning of the cash crunch, due to high traffic. Further stalling consumers and businesses. This has left many people furious. As they’re unable to pay for goods and services using their mobile phones or other digital devices.

The Naira Scarcity Is A Looming Threat To The Forthcoming Election

Since the old naira notes are phasing out courtesy of CBN’s unflinching resolution to ban them as legal tender. And new notes are scarce, there’s one pressing question. Is this an elaborate scheme to foil the forthcoming elections?.

Does the government think the new naira notes will solve the problem of vote buying?. Or potentially reduce the possibility of parties rigging elections?. While CBN has stated that the new notes will combat the high level of insecurity and corruption in the country. Nigerians are however unsure if these redesigned naira notes are solving the problems that CBN said it would address.

While the negative impact of the naira scarcity on the economy is affecting the citizens, it also poses a looming threat to the forthcoming elections. Which is just 10 days away. Ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, thousands of Nigerians are yet to travel to their respective homes for the election. As such, most people fear that the naira scarcity will have a huge effect on the election. Since the majority of registered voters will not be able to participate in the electoral process.

Also, Nigerians worry that this spur-of-the-moment decision which has sparked a serious cash drought in the country is somehow geared at dissuading them from voting. Yet that is not the case as we see Nigerians in droves, attending various political rallies within the country.

President Buhari’s Speech Regarding Naira Scarcity

The President of the Republic Muhammadu Buhari has made a national broadcast regarding the matter. Addressing the country in the statement, he highlighted the havoc the lack of new notes is wrecking on the country, particularly its citizens. And urged Nigerians to remain calm as solutions will be proffered. Muhammadu Buhari’s speech reads:

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRENCY SWAP AND STATE OF THE NATION, ON 16th FEBRUARY, 2023

My Dear Compatriots,

I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.

2. Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.

3. Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.

4. In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.

5. For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.

6. In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.

7. Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:

a. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.

b. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;

c. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;

d. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and

e. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria

8. Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.

9. I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

10. This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

a. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;

b. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;

c. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;

d. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;

e. Exchange Rate stability;

f. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and

g. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.

11. I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

12. To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

13. I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.

14. During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.

15. I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.

16. To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.

17. In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

18. Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.

19. Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will also continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.

20. I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.

21. Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

22. This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

23. I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

24. I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.