From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State have vowed to end naira abuse in the state.
The agencies said the rate of naira abuse was rampant these days, especially by those who sell mints and those who spray them at parties, and agreed to partner to checkmate the ugly trend.
The agencies reached the agreement at the Abakaliki branch office of the CBN when the NSCDC Commandant, Francis Nnadi, paid a courtesy visit to the bank.
Nnadi requested a partnership with the CBN to counter the current wave of abuse of the national currency.
He explained that his visit was predicated on the need to strengthen ties with the apex bank in the areas of mutual cooperation, more so when the NSCDC was saddled with the mandate of critical national assets and infrastructure protection, of which CBN was one.
According to him, Ebonyi State is classified as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, but pockets of insecurity lie underneath the surface.
He pointed out that kidnapping has become a threat in the South East, thereby making everyone a potential victim.
“It is on this score that security tips would be imperative for all, even when they think they have no kidnapping value,” he said.
The Commandant offered to be available for the bank’s personnel around the clock to offer such tips upon demand. He added that he visited to consolidate the existing synergy between the two offices for a more robust working relationship.
The state security commander underscored the necessity of upskilling for greater productivity and requested a refresher programme on cybersecurity for NSCDC personnel.
Responding, the state Branch Controller of CBN, Daniel Ogboogu Amechi, thanked the commandant for the visit.
He pointed out that the apex bank has fulfilled its mandate by introducing the law against currency abuse and that security agencies were free to embark on its enforcement.
He equally remarked that their operations were centrally controlled from their national headquarters office. Nevertheless, he would offer the necessary support to ensure the success of the enforcement.
Ogboogu stated that the director of currency at headquarters is addressing the current complaint about ATM tariff rates by commercial banks.
The Controller also expressed the desire to have NSCDC join in safeguarding their premises, but that could only be possible with the express permission of headquarters. He recalled with gratitude the role played by NSCDC personnel during the naira redesign imbroglio across the country.
He stressed the need for mutual understanding of the operations of the two agencies and work towards collaborative synergy.