In response to recent guidelines from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regarding dormant accounts, many bank customers flocked to their banks on Tuesday to reactivate their accounts and safeguard their savings.
Key Points
– **Customer Actions**: A significant number of customers visited their banks to reactivate accounts affected by the new CBN guidelines. Some were also seen at courtrooms, swearing affidavits to manage accounts of deceased relatives.
– **Motivations**: Customers expressed concerns about losing their savings due to the CBN’s measures aimed at consolidating dormant accounts. They moved quickly to ensure their accounts remained active.
Customer Experiences
– **Mrs. Ugonne Akputa**: A businesswoman, Akputa reactivated her six-year-old Access Bank account by depositing money into it. She emphasized the importance of keeping the account active to maintain her savings.
> “I went to my bank to make enquiries about my account, which I had left for some time now. They told me that I should just put money into the account to activate it, and I did.”
– **Mr. Cyprian Yusuf**: Yusuf visited First Bank to inquire about his late brother’s account. Although he was unsure of the account balance, he sought to retrieve the funds for his brother’s family.
> “When I heard of this dormant account thing, I decided to quickly come to my late brother’s bank to ask them how I could retrieve the money. He died three years ago and I don’t think the account has been in operation.”
– **Mrs. Chinny Olaedo**: Olaedo urged banks and the CBN to ensure the security of customers’ funds, especially for those living abroad.
#### Bank and Official Responses
– **Bank Observations**: Bank officials reported a noticeable increase in customers reactivating accounts, including applications from relatives of deceased individuals seeking to access funds.
> “Yes, we have seen customers coming to the bank to reactivate their accounts. Even relatives and next of kin to deceased persons have submitted applications to withdraw amounts left in the account of their loved ones.”
The recent rush highlights the impact of the CBN’s guidelines on account management and the urgent need for customers to stay informed and proactive about their financial assets.
