By Abdallah el-Kurebe
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied that it mandated deposit banks to collect N500, and N1,000 old banknotes from depositors.
The Nigerian media platforms on Friday had published news stories indicating that the apex bank had authorized the banks to collects the old notes.
However, the CBN in a statement by the Director of Corporate Communications, Osita Nwanisobi, made available to newsmen on Friday denied issuing such directives.
According to the statement, the CBN stands by President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval on the February 16, 2023 broadcast to reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes.
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorized messages quoting the CBN as having authorized the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 Banknotes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr. President’s broadcast of February 16, 2023, the CBN has been directed to ONLY reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023.
“Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject,” the statement reads.
The apex bank advised journalists to always verify information before publication.
“Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE verify any information from correct sources before publication,” it further reads.
