President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, inaugurated the recently completed branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Lafia, Nasarawa state, as part of his two-day visit to the state.
Unveiling the plaque, Buhari commended the apex bank governor and the management of the Bank, for putting up a structure that will ensure a work environment conducive for staff to contribute their quota to the development to the economy.
Welcoming the President and his entourage that included the host Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, and other governors from neighbouring states, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele expressed appreciation to Buhari for the support the CBN had enjoyed under his leadership.
According to Emefiele, the construction of the state-of-the-art Lafia Branch was in line with the Bank’s desire to take the services of the CBN closer to the grassroots, particularly as the Bank embarks on delivering on the President’s vision of delivering transformational agriculture in Nigeria and to Nigerians.
“The Bank’s Development Finance office in Lafia will work on delivering the dividend of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and other agricultural initiatives of the Bank, to farmers and other agricultural extension workers in the area.
“Furthermore, the new complex, which would provide a befitting workplace for staff, is also a fulfilment of the federal government’s objective of having a branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria in every state of the Federation, for currency and business transactions by government agencies & corporate entities.”
The complex, which was completed on August 13, 2021, comprises of the Main and Ancillary Buildings spread out with parking lots, fuel dump and security posts, water storage and treatment plants etc., positioned as appropriate & approved by the Nasarawa state Building Regulatory Authorities.