On February 18, 2023, reports emerged that bank workers in Nigeria would commence a strike starting from Monday. The reason for the industrial action is the continued attacks on bank workers by depositors who are struggling to access the new Naira notes.
According to The Nation, the situation may worsen as the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has directed its members to stay away from work in any state where banks are attacked by depositors due to cash scarcity. The strike will continue until normalcy is restored, as stated by the President of the association, Comrade Olusoji Oluwole.
In a statement dated February 17, 2023, with reference number ANS/WR/JA/OP/5018 titled “Stay at home order”, the ASSBIFI directed all its members to stay away from work in any state where bank branches are attacked. The statement reads in part:
“The National Secretariat has been inundated with reports of threats and attacks on lives and properties of members and bank branches, and subsequently has been on the field to monitor and confirm the reports.
We issued warnings and appeals to the government to provide security measures for the safety of our members within and around the bank premises, but regrettably, the attacks have continued without any form of security for the safety of our members, and the recent being the attack on Friday, February 17, 2023, on one bank branch at Epe, Lagos State. We cannot leave the lives and properties of our members exposed to obvious danger. Consequently, all members should immediately stay away from work in any state where bank branches are attacked. This is to continue every day until normalcy is restored. Please note, you will be availed further directives as events develop.”
It is important to note that the strikes may cause disruptions in the banking industry, leading to difficulties in accessing banking services.
The situation also highlights the need for adequate security measures to ensure the safety of bank workers and depositors alike. The government must work to address the underlying issues causing the attacks and find a lasting solution to the cash scarcity problem.
