Markets and banks, among other major commercial locations, were closed on Thursday. Concerns regarding the closures’ effects on the economy and security have been highlighted by the protests which were sparked by a rising dissatisfaction with governance difficulties.
As of the time this report was filed, the banks along Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos, were still closed. The closure of numerous Deposit Money Banks occurred in the states of Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger.
Employee safety was given top priority by the bank’s management according to a banker from Access Bank who went by Temitayo.
We received a request not to open today due to the protest. Our safety is the bank’s top priority, according to the management. I believe that Access Bank offices across the country are acting in a similar manner, Temitayo said.
Likewise, a First Bank banker Similarly, a banker at First Bank said that the bank’s management had given the go-ahead for staff members to work from home, adding that this decision was made in light of general safety concerns.
A message telling us to work from home was sent. If any banks open, I doubt it.
Since money would be lost, I believe that the protest will have a significant impact on many banks. The banker, who went only by Simi, said, “We can only hope for good governance.’
As merchants closed their stores, the protest was also felt in Ikeja’s bustling Computer Village.
‘Anything can happen if we open today.’ Nobody likes to witness angry thugs damaging our stores. It is preferable to remain indoors and see what is ongoing Trader Akanji Tijani said,
Other trader like Deborah Suleiman, stated, ‘I am hoping to see if there will be a chance for us to open maybe in the evening, ‘but I think for now all shops are locked,’ or at least most of them are. ‘Many people will experience’ financial loss.
Customers were left stranded when Deposit Money Banks in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council and along the airport route closed for business on Thursday.
Our correspondents visited a few banks, and they discovered that the DMBs were locked and that security guards were preventing clients from entering the banking areas.
A private security guard at the First Bank of Nigeria branch stated, ‘We are not open yet; we are still processing’ for the directive to take such action.
‘Today is different, you know what is happening in the country now,’ he said in response to a question about why the bank was still shut at 9:30 am on a weekday.
Customers were unable to obtain cash since the numerous Zenith Bank, Polaris, Unity, and FCMB branches were closed.
It’s regrettable that this occurred. A customer was seen at one of the banks lamenting, ‘I have been standing here for hours waiting for money, but nothing is forthcoming.’
Fearing violence from the rally, many people of Bwari chose to shop in fright instead of going outside, and the streets were deserted.
Matilda, a Point of Sale operator, remarked, ‘I’m not in a rush to open.’ a lot of people are still at home, so I went to my shop this morning.
Banks like GT Bank, Stanbic IBTC, United Bank of Africa, and Zenith Bank along the busy airport route were closed, and employees were urged to stay at home.
It was learned that the order not to open was derived from a directive issued by each bank’s headquarters.
In addition, our correspondent saw that the banks were heavily guarded even though they were closed and would not permit our correspondents to take pictures.
‘All the banks here didn’t open today,’ a security official declared. It was predicated on an order from these branches’ headquarters. Despite the presence of security guards here, the banks were instructed to stay closed for enterprise.’
Individuals who arrived to conduct financial transactions were redirected.
Commercial banks advised staff members at their head office and branches thought to be in risky locations to work remotely or from home in an email sent to staff members that The Viztadaily News was able to get.
a tier’s email According to a bank, ‘Remote work from the closest branch or hub is encouraged for all colleagues in non-essential roles.’
Colleagues in critical positions who work on-site must keep a close eye on the situation and communicate with line managers or supervisors on a frequent basis to exchange pertinent updates.
ACCI responds.
The business community was urged to implement more stringent safety measures by Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
His remarks are As a result of severe interruptions experienced by enterprises throughout the capital territory, many are compelled to close, which lowers production and negatively impacts livelihoods.
He emphasized that corporate leaders must use care and discernment as they navigate through this volatile time.
The need to remain indoors during protests can result in significant losses, even though many business owners rely on their regular activities to make ends meet.
He stated, ‘We must prioritize maintaining operational continuity while putting the safety of our customers, staff, and assets first.
The head of the ACCI urged the appropriate security services to strengthen safeguards for investments and companies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), promoting a tranquil atmosphere favorable to trade.
In order to prevent periods of high protest, he advised company owners to think about modifying their operation hours and making sure that Every safety procedure is updated and efficiently shared with staff members.
Obegolu provided a list of particular operational and communication tactics that companies should use at this time. He stated that companies should assess if in-person activities are still necessary and, if not, should embrace remote work arrangements.
‘It is also essential to secure the premises and make sure that all security measures are functioning.
Retain open channels of contact with staff members by giving them frequent information and quickly attending to their problems, the speaker said.
Adding, ‘We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates and assistance as necessary,’ he went on to say that the ACCI was committed to helping businesses through these trying times.
