The senate has asked the Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct commercial banks to increase the maximum amount
customers can withdraw from automated teller machines (ATMs) to N40,000 per
transaction.
The maximum is currently N20,000.
The senate also asked the apex bank to suspend ATM card maintenance fees.
The upper legislative chamber
directed its committees on banking and finance to conduct an investigation into
the propriety of ATM card maintenance charges and to also invite Godwin
Emefiele, governor of CBN, to explain why the charges are allegedly skewed in
favour of the banks.
The resolution of the senate was
sequel to a motion sponsored by Gbenga Ashafa, senator representing Lagos east.
While moving the motion, Ashafa
said the CBN is becoming “insensitive” to the plight of Nigerians.
Contributing to the debate on the
motion, Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, said the numerous charges by
the banks are unacceptable.
“If we have institutions in
Nigeria, they should make sure to do their jobs to protect Nigerians,”
Ekweremadu said.
“Banks should have recognisable
charges to let customers know what they are up against.”
On his part, Adeola Olamilekan,
senator representing Lagos west, said the banks should stop cheating Nigerians
of their hard-earned money.
“I have stopped using ATM for
transactions,” Olamilekan said.
On his part, Senate President
Bukola Saraki said the lawmakers must always protect the interest of the
people.
“This is a motion that touches on
the lives of every Nigerian irrespective of what party you belong to or
political affiliation you might have and that is why we are here, to always
defend and protect the interest of our people,” he said.
“We need to look at ways to
ensure that our resolutions go beyond just the debates — so that whatever
action we take will come into effect.”
The motion was adopted by the
senate after it was put to a voice vote by Saraki.
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