On Thursday, August 1, 2024, banks and other financial institutions across the country will remain closed as a hunger strike protest commences.
Although none of the banks officially announced their closure, conversations with various bank employees suggest that they have been instructed not to come to work on Thursday as a precautionary measure to monitor the ongoing protest.
A banker interviewed by NewsNow stated, “Considering past protest incidents targeting banks, we are being cautious. We aim to avoid a similar situation and are therefore keeping a close eye on the developments before deciding on our next steps.”
Another banker in Lagos simply stated, “I will not be working tomorrow,” when questioned about their plans.
Meanwhile, a different banker mentioned they had not received any specific instructions but were advised to be careful during their commute.
Leadway Pensure, a Pension Fund Administrator, notified its customers via email titled ‘Business Continuity Amid Planned Protest,’ stating, “In light of the upcoming nationwide protest from August 1, 2024, please note that our offices will be closed initially on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024, pending further updates.”
The PFA encouraged its customers to use digital channels for transactions during this period.
Similarly, Meristem Securities Limited, an Asset Management firm, informed its clients about office closures in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja due to the upcoming protest on June 1, 2024. They reassured clients of continued communication depending on protest developments.
Customers were directed to contact them through online platforms.
In an exclusive interview with NewsNow, the President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees, Anthony Abakpa, stated, “Banks will closely monitor the planned national protest to assess the situation. As of now, there has been no official approval to shut down bank operations during the protest.”
“Banks cannot cease operations without explicit approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria. We are carefully observing the situation and have advised our members to prioritize safety and vigilance during and after the protest.”