Business at banks in Bwari Area Council and along the airport road in the Federal Capital Territory came to a standstill on Thursday as they did not open, leaving customers in a state of confusion.
The closures were a result of the ongoing protests calling for an end to bad governance in the country.
The demonstrations, which commenced early in the day on Thursday, aimed to bring attention to the increasing hunger and declining purchasing power experienced by citizens.
Our correspondents visited several banks and found them closed, with security personnel preventing customers from entering the banking premises.
Speaking about the closure of the First Bank of Nigeria branch, a private security guard mentioned, “We are still waiting for instructions to open.”
When questioned about why the bank remained closed at 9:30 am on a normal working day, he responded, “Today is different, given the current situation in the country.”
Similarly, branches of Zenith Bank, Polaris, Unity, and FCMB were also shut, preventing customers from accessing their funds.
Expressing frustration, a customer remarked, “This is unfortunate. I’ve been waiting here for hours to withdraw money, but to no avail.”
The streets were devoid of people due to fears of potential violence stemming from the protests. The main market in Bwari was affected as well, with many residents resorting to panic buying instead of venturing out.
A Point of Sale operator named Matilda mentioned, “I’m delaying the opening of my shop this morning as most people are still at home. It’s quiet out there.”
On the popular airport road, banks such as GT Bank, Stanbic IBTC, United Bank of Africa, and Zenith Bank remained closed, instructing their staff to stay home.
It was reported that the decision not to open was made following directives from the banks’ headquarters.
Our correspondent also noticed heightened security presence at the closed banks and was prohibited from taking photos.
A security official stated, “All banks here did not operate today due to directives from their headquarters. Despite the visible security personnel, business activities were not allowed.”
Customers seeking financial services were turned away.
Even the Automated Teller Machines were nonoperational.
PUNCH Online noted reduced activities on the usually busy access road into the capital city, with security patrol vehicles monitoring the area.