ATM Rescues Customers, As Banks Close Shop

Bank customers in Nasarawa State have resorted to the use of Automated TellerÂ Machines (ATMs) for funds on Wednesday as banks also joined in the nationwide NLCÂ strike.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia showed that all the banks inÂ the state capital were closed as customers were seen queuing to withdraw money fromÂ ATMs.

On shortage of funds in the ATM, a manager in one of the new generation banks, whoÂ preferred anonymity, said the banks were supposed to always make funds available inÂ the ATM.

“Our customers should not have the fear of the ATM running out of cash as we haveÂ stationed our men on ground to ensure that all the machines have sufficient funds,

“They are also to resolve any technical problem which may arise,” he said.

However, some residents expressed dismay over the situation, saying the limit toÂ daily withdrawals from the machine had affected their businesses.

Others, who were sceptical on the use of the ATM, given the attendant alleged fraudÂ related to it, were left without any option than to borrow money in order toÂ survive.

Umar Mohammed, a businessman, said he could not get money to shop for theÂ forthcoming Sallah celebration as banks have closed and did not have the ATM card.

Ahmed Sulaiman, a civil servant, said although the strike was quite inconveniencing,Â it was worth it because any good thing comes with a price.

NAN reports that Lafia, the state capital, was almost grounded because of the strikeÂ as all government offices and schools also closed.

NAN also reports that the media outfits equally affected by the strike like theÂ state-owned broadcast station and the FRCN Precious FM, both in Lafia, only openedÂ for about an hour on Wednesday.

The two stations were managed by their management staff, who read the news briefs.