From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Many commercial banks, hospitals, and petrol stations in Osun State have rejected the old naira notes, Daily Sun has gathered.
Investigation revealed that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Osogbo also rejected the old notes, turning customers who wanted to recharge their meters back.
Customers with old naira notes were left unattended to at the station road office of IBEDC in Osogbo.
It was also gathered that Osun State University Teaching Hospital also rejected the old notes, leaving patients in dilemma.
Findings revealed that residents are still struggling to get the new notes as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in some banks are not dispensing money.
It was observed that some banks are not allowing customers to enter the banks, claiming that there is no cash to pay through the canter.
The action of the banks raised alarm to some traders and commercial drivers who have been collecting the old notes as they started rejecting it.
A source in one of the banks who pleaded anonymity said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not communicated officially to the banks.
He disclosed that lower currency was paid to the customers last week and the bank has been closing since the currency finished.
“We didn’t have the new note. We took our time to sort out the lower currency last week to pay the customers. We didn’t have any cash again. That is why we don’t allow customers to enter the banking hall.
“What we heard about the old note is that the CBN will be collecting it from individuals, that is why we have not been collecting it. There is no official communication to collect the old note from customers,” the source added.