POS operators, banks make brisk business from Naira Change in Gombe
…..scarcity of N200 notes deepens
Chima Azubuike
Some residents have lamented what they described as ‘rip off’ by commercial banks alleged to be working in partnership with Point of Sales agents.
Speaking in an interview with our Correspondent Hussain Adamu said for a withdrawal of N20,000 from a POS operator in Billiri Local Government, he was charged N3,000 for the new notes.
Investigation conducted by our Correspondent reveals that instead of allowing the money to circulate some bank officials now reserve most of the notes for prime customers, at the detriment of residents.
However, the alleged ‘rip off’ is not only heightened in the hinterland, but in most parts of the state.
According to him, after depositing his money in the bank he was told to use the ATM but there was no new notes.
He said, “This was why I had to approach a POS operator to make a quick withdrawal but to my dismay, I was charged N3,000 and handed N17,000. I couldn’t do anything because I needed the new notes immediately. Another painful part is that we don’t usually see the N200 notes, what abounds is old notes.”
Also speaking, Aisha Mohammed, told our Correspondent that some of the operators got the notes with the support of some bank officials, adding that the extra charges make up for what they passed through in getting it.
“Without making excuses for the fraudulent activities of the POS agents, they get the money with attachments. So, unsuspecting customers now bear the charges,” Mohammed said.
While urging the relevant agencies to ensure that they reduce the sufferings of the people in getting the new notes, she added, Some of the officials use back door to distribute the new notes, and alot of times it is who knows who and who is also ready to open fresh accounts that determines who gets what.”
On his part, Danjuma Zana, said he was forced to pay 200 for N5000 by a POS operator, in Gombe metropolis.
According to him, “I almost rejected it because I don’t see why I will be charged extra N200 for a transaction of N500. You can see how dull the whole place have become the stress is too much.”
