#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Customers stranded as banks close over protest in Abuja

On Thursday, banks in the Bwari Area Council and along the airport road in the Federal Capital Territory were closed, leaving customers unable to conduct their banking activities.

This closure was a result of ongoing protests calling for an end to poor governance in the nation. The demonstrations commenced early Thursday morning and sought to highlight issues such as widespread hunger and diminishing purchasing power among citizens.

Reports from our correspondents revealed that numerous banks were secured shut, with security personnel preventing customers from entering the premises.

At a branch of the First Bank of Nigeria, a private security guard mentioned that they had not yet opened and were awaiting instructions to do so.

When questioned about the bank’s locked doors at 9:30 am on a weekday, he noted that today was unusual given the current situation in the country.

Similarly, branches of Zenith Bank, Polaris, Unity, and FCMB were also shut down, preventing customers from withdrawing cash.

One frustrated customer expressed their dismay, saying, It’s unfortunate. I’ve been here for hours waiting for money to be available.

The streets were largely empty as people feared potential violence from ongoing protests, with many residents in Bwari engaging in panic buying rather than risking going out.

Matilda, a Point of Sale operator, expressed that she wasn’t rushing to open her store this morning since many people were still at home and there was little movement in the area.

Along the well-known airport road, several banks, including GT Bank, Stanbic IBTC, United Bank for Africa, and Zenith Bank, remained closed as staff were instructed to stay home.

Reports indicated that this closure was mandated by the banks’ headquarters. Our correspondent noted a significant police presence outside the banks despite their closure; security personnel even prevented one of our reporters from taking photographs.

A security officer explained that none of the local banks opened today due to orders from their headquarters. Although security forces were visible in the vicinity, they confirmed that operations at the banks had been suspended.

Customers attempting to conduct transactions were turned away, and all Automated Teller Machine (ATM) kiosks were also closed.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 reported a noticeable decrease in activity on the main access road leading into the capital city as security patrols conducted rounds throughout the area.