Banks Close Amid Nationwide Hunger Protest

Banks and other financial institutions across the country will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as a nationwide hunger strike commences.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that while no official closure announcements have been made, discussions with various bank employees reveal that staff have been advised not to report to work on Thursday, as banks monitor the protest situation.

A banker who gave reference to the #EndSARS protest 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 Lagos-based banker simply stated, “I’m not going to work tomorrow,” when asked.

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However, another banker mentioned they were not specifically advised on closure but were told to exercise caution during their commute.

A Pension Fund Administrator, Leadway Pensure, informed its customers via email on Wednesday, titled ‘Business Continuity Amid Planned Protest,’ stating, “Due to the planned nationwide protest starting August 1, 2024, please be informed that all our offices will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024, at the first instance as we monitor the situation.” The PFA encouraged customers to use digital channels for transactions.

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

The notice read, “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.” Customers were advised to use online channels for their needs.

Meanwhile, 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.”

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