Fidelity Bank prior to the unveiling of the new Naira note had notified customers that its branches will open by 8 am and close by 6 pm on weekdays and Saturdays
By Kehinde Okeowo
In compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive, Fidelity Bank has instructed its branches nationwide to extend its banking operation till 6pm on Saturdays.
The development occurred after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari would unveil the new Naira notes on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, in Abuja.
Fidelity Bank prior to the launch had notified its customers that all its branches would open by 8 am and close by 6 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, primarily for cash deposits.
ALSO READ: Senate summons finance minister over N206bn in Sadiya Farouq’s ministry budget
The bank said in a statement: “Following the CBN announcement on the currency redesign exercise, please note that we have reviewed our working hours.
“You are encouraged to continue to use our e-channels to transact conveniently.”
According to Legit, Fidelity bank is the only bank in Nigeria that has complied with the CBN’s Saturday banking directive.
It has now taken a further step to extend its working hours on Saturday and other days to 6pm.
The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele had on Tuesday, November 22, after the MPC meeting, said President Muhammadu Buhari will launch the new notes the next day.
“We are no longer waiting for December 15 to unveil the new note, the president has agreed to unveil the new currency on November 23, 2022,” he said.
He went on to say that the CBN will limit the circulation of N500 and N1000 notes and said their glut in the system is partly responsible for inflation in the country.
The apex bank also asked all banks to keep their currency processing centres open for their customers on Saturday for cash deposits.