How to report cash scarcity at ATMs, Banks’ to CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria has published a directory of its branches across the country. This directory provides contact information and email addresses for each branch.

The purpose of this directory is to make it easier for Nigerians to report issues with cash access at Over-The-Counter withdrawals or Automated Teller Machines of Deposit Money Banks.

On November 29, 2024, the Central Bank issued a document titled “Cash Availability over the Counter in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).”

This document outlines the bank’s efforts to ensure that there is enough cash in circulation and that it is easily accessible to the public.

The circular, effective since December 1, 2024, was jointly signed by the CBN’s acting Director of Currency Operations, Solaja Olayemi, and its acting Director of Branch Operations, Isa-Olatinwo Aisha.

“Please refer to the various engagements and interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the above subject aimed at addressing efficient and optimal currency circulation in the economy.

“As part of these ongoing efforts, we would like to draw your attention to the following directives and guidelines:

“Deposit Money Banks (DMBs): DMBs are directed to ensure efficient cash disbursement to customers Over-the-Counter (OTC) and through ATMs as the CBN will intensify its oversight roles to enforce this directive and ensure compliance.

“General Public Reporting: Members of the public who are unable to obtain cash Over-the-Counter or through ATMs at DMBs, are encouraged to report these instances using the designated reporting channels and format provided below,” the circular read.

The apex bank added that these steps would assist it in “addressing issues hindering the availability of cash and further improve currency circulation.”

To report cash scarcity at DMB branches and/or ATMs not dispensing cash, take the following steps:

• Provide the relevant details which include the account name/name of the DMB/amount/time and date of Incident(s) among others via the following dedicated channels:

• Phone call: Make phone calls to the designated phone number(s) of the CBN branch in the state where the incident(s) occurred. Or,
  
• Email: Members of the public are enjoined to send an email of the incident to the designated email address for the state in which the incident(s) occurred.
  
• Find below the designated phone numbers and email addresses of the CBN branches across the 36 states of the Federation.