Banks, others shut as hunger protest holds

Banks and other financial institutions in the country will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as the planned hunger strike begins across the country.

While none of the banks outrightly announced a closure, chats with different employees of the banks indicated that they have been advised not to report for work on Thursday as the banks monitor the protest.

A banker who spoke with The PUNCH said, “You saw what happened during previous protests, banks were targets. We don’t want a repeat of a similar experience, hence we have been advised to monitor the situation first and then we know where to go from there.”

Another banker based in Lagos simply said, “I’m not going to work tomorrow,” when asked.

However, another banker said they were not advised either way, just told to exercise caution during their commute.

A Pension Fund Administrator, Leadway Pensure, in a mail to their customers on Wednesday titled ‘Business Continuity Amid Planned Protest’ said, “Due to the planned nationwide protest starting August 1, 2024, please be informed that all our office will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024, at the first instance as we monitor the situation.”

The PFA went on to urge its customers to adopt its digital channels for their transactions.

Asset Management firm, Meristem Securities Limited, also issued a notice of closure to its customers on Wednesday.

“Dear esteemed client. Due to the upcoming nationwide protest tomorrow, this is to inform you that all our offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja will be closed on Thursday, 1st June 2024. We will closely monitor the situation and provide further communication, depending on the developments of the protest.”

Their customers were advised to reach them via their online channels.

Speaking with The PUNCH in an exclusive interview, the President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees,  Anthony Abakpa, said, “Banks will monitor the National planned protest closely and see how it plays out. The regulatory body has not given express approval to close any of the bank operations amid the protest.

“Banks cannot close shop without the express approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We will monitor closely while we have advised our members to exercise extra caution and be alert to stay safe during and after.”