The Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have secured approval from President Muhammadu Buhari to exempt key players in the financial services sector from COVID- 19 movement restrictions.

A statement jointly issued by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele on Monday appealed to President Buhari to enable the financial services sector particularly banks render skeletal services.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday in his nationwide broadcast, imposed a total lockdown restricting movements in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.

Addressing Nigerians, the President said: “based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.

“This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.”

In a jointly issued statement Monday by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and CBN governor, entitled: ‘ Notice to affected stakeholders and general public regarding COVID-19 and restrictions in movement of persons”, they applauded and appreciated the appropriate and proactive restrictions in personal and vehicular movement imposed by President Muhammadu Buhari in his speech of Sunday 29 March 2020.

However, the minister and CBN governor noted: ” To ensure that Nigerians can still perform online transactions and use ATMs whilst observing these restrictions, we will like to inform the general public and all affected stakeholders that we have obtained exemptions from the President to allow very skeletal operations in the Financial System and Money Markets in order to keep the system in light operations during this time”.

They added: “All relevant staff of affected outfits and agencies should look out for further instructions from their immediate bosses”.

GamalNasser:
Someone had to remind Dullard he didn't know what he was doing causing a stampede in banking deposit ..I hate dull people with low IQ

GamalNasser:
Buhari the dullard still doesn't know how banking is sustained . When I say he didn't consult with Economic crisis prevention experts before reeling out his mindless lock down I know what i am saying ..his thoughtless announcement put pressure on banking deposit a d could have caused the banks to be distressed by the end of today if Banks were not exempted

KINGJAJA888:

U just can't please everyone especially Nigerians. If you like cut your head for them dey go still complain

Eriggs:
Shut up

Salvador1:
That buhari speech is as confused as him

Why the total lock down when banks will be allow to work .

GamalNasser:
Someone had to remind Dullard he didn't know what he was doing ....I hate dull people with low IQ

GamalNasser:
Someone had to remind Dullard he didn't know what he was doing causing a stampede on banking deposit which can collapse the banking sector if care is not taken ..I hate dull people with low IQ

GamalNasser:
Someone had to remind Dullard he didn't know what he was doing causing a stampede on banking deposit which can collapse the banking sector if care is not taken ..I hate dull people with low IQ