ATM galleries, PoS terminals turn centres of agony, despair as cash scarcity lingers

Bank customers in Akure, the Ondo State capital, are now in a state of despair over the unending scarcity over the Naira notes.

As early as 5:00 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday, most of the bank customers had besieged financial institutions in Akure metropolis after an endless wait at the galleries of the banks’ Automated Teller Machines, ATMs, over the weekend.

While anticipating that the commercial banks would open their doors to customers at 8:00 a.m., the customers were stunned as the gates of the banks were not opened for hours.

With the hope of getting cash getting dim, some of them went to try their luck at the already jam-packed ATM galleries but were surprised that the machines were not dispensing above N5000 per person.

Several Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators in the state were also without cash to give to those seeking to withdraw naira.

In Akoko axis, Owo, and Ose, residents have continued to complain about the financial crisis because finding the money to cover their basic necessities has remained an impossible effort.

At Ikare-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North East local government, only one ATM was dispensing, while there were none in Owo.

Most of the PoS agents said they did not have the new naira notes, thus, unable to deliver cash to their clients. Those that were still in operation continued to charge between N250 and N300 for a withdrawal of N1000.

The continual contradicting orders issued by the Supreme Court and Muhammadu Buhari have continued to irk the people.

The majority of the ATM machines in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government, were not dispensing naira notes, and banks did not open for customers.

Speaking on the situation, a bank customer, Olubunmi Fasusi, said the situation had almost turned her into a beggar as she could not get access to her money.

A PoS operator, Bakonle Osunla, also stated, “I don’t have new notes to give to customers.

“Even the old N200 notes that I would normally offer are not here anymore. Visitors to my store often leave disappointed. Some even call me on the phone to check on when I have money, but I’m not in a position to give them any.”

On her part, Evelyn Olutayo disclosed that PoS operators within her locality have been using the situation to exploit the people.