Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwoolu has rolled out phone numbers for residents to call if anyone is found rejecting the old N500 and N1000 naira notes as directed by the Central Bank in compliance with a Supreme Court Judgement.
While writing on his verified Twitter handles on Monday evening, the governor who appealed to residents to accept the notes, vowed to take punitive actions against anybody or banks rejecting the old notes.
His words: “My dear Lagosians, I have noted the difficulties that you have been having over the naira redesign crisis. I feel your pain.
“Kindly note that commercial banks have been directed to accept the old N500 and N1,000 notes as deposits and pay them out for withdrawals.
“Putting the needs of our residents above all, we successfully got a Supreme Court verdict which extends the validity of the existing Naira notes till December 31, 2023.
“The CBN at a Bankers Committee meeting yesterday directed Banks to resume acceptance in compliance.
“I urge all businesses in Lagos to accept the old notes as it is legal tender.
“Anyone rejecting these notes will be heavily sanctioned as we kick off monitoring.
“If a bank refuses to accept deposits of old notes, please lodge a complaint with LASCOPA on 08124993895.
“The Lagos State Government will report the bank to the CBN and immediately shut down the offending branch.
“I assure you that this too shall pass as the authorities are working to ensure that the teething problems of the redesigning of our currency are resolved,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.
