Nigerians have taken to social media platforms to express their thoughts about the extension of the deadline for the old naira.
Premium Politics on Sunday reported that CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, announced the extension through a signed statement.
“Based on the foregoing, we have sought and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following: A 10-day extension of the deadline from January 31 to February 10 to allow for the collection of more old notes legitimately held by Nigerians.
“A 7-day grace period, beginning from February 10 to February 17, in compliance with Sections 20(3) and 22 of the CBN Act allowing Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline when the old currency would have lost its Legal Tender Status,” the statement read.
It would be recalled that Emefiele had earlier stated that the apex banking institution would not be extending the deadline.
Emefiele said this at the monthly Monetary Policy Committee meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
“I don’t have good news for those who feel we should shift the deadline; my apologies,” Emefiele said.
CBN in October 2022 announced that will redesign the N200, N500, N1,000 notes, and fixed Tuesday, January 31 as the deadline for the circulation of the old notes.
The development has continued to generate mixed reactions from Nigerians, while many had hailed the move, others have knocked the CBN Governor for putting Nigerians through great stress over the last few days as a result of the deadline.
@MaryLuchies, tweeted, “CBN Governor na M@d man .
After suffering Nigerians yesterday and now we have to suffer it again second week of Feb coz watch Banks to stop giving new currencies now till deadline…”
@Hassan, tweeted, “Brother, I have a lot I want to say to those hoarding/selling the new naira notes, the CBN governor who’s insensitive to the pains of Nigerians, those supporting CBN governor for this mindless, senseless act, it will get to everyone turn, directly or indirectly.”
@Chimaanchonwa, tweeted, “CBN Governor, we weren’t surprise. That’s the way of Nigerian government”.
@Lekimite, tweeted, “CBN governor no needs of all this running up and down to achieved nothing, your policy lack adequate planning talkless of implementation no wonder the naira keep failing with all your implementation, countries that have transition into cashless policy didn’t do it this fake way”.
@ArakunrinSugar, tweeted, “The mere thought of Emefiele putting d whole nation through hell over d new naira these last few days only to extend it at the last hour is sickening.”
@Faruk, tweeted, “Honestly, I’m disappointed that the CBN bulged on this.”
@SirDavidBent, tweeted, “The Central Bank of Nigeria’s governor only reports to the President. Only the president’s approval made the extension possible. Emefiele didn’t bow to any pressure & I hope to God that the deadline won’t be extended again. We need to stifle any chances of electoral malpractice.”
