...as Nigerians threaten to boycott bank
By Chioma Obinagwam
Access Bank has restated its commitment to deliver superior service to its customers.
The bank in a statement sighted by Confiance News on Friday said it is concerned by the inconvenience that some of its customers are currently experiencing and would play its part to ensure that they have access to their accounts as quickly as possible.
“We want to express our sympathy for the inconvenience that eight of our customers are going through due to the restrictions on their accounts as mandated by a Federal court order. We are eager for this to be resolved as soon as possible,” the bank explained.
Confiance News learnt that the statement is a reaction to the call by #EndSARS protesters and some of its supporters to boycott Access Bank by closing down their accounts with the bank starting from Monday, October 16.
The bank noted that “It is common knowledge that we and the entire banking industry are regulated entities and therefore operate under the authority of our regulators and law enforcement agencies. As such we are compelled to comply with regulatory directives.”
“While acknowledging the concern of all well-meaning parties, we urge that enquiries and views be channeled to the relevant regulatory and judicial agencies where the matter is receiving attention. It is therefore surprising that some individuals still choose to target Access Bank in a negative manner despite not being the source of the action.
It stated that it has always been at the forefront of innovative efforts in support of the development of our country. We embrace this role as we are also the largest employer of labour – a sizable number of which are youths.
The bank also argued that it has always led the way with regard to support for young Nigerians in terms of capacity building and development of SMEs.
Confiance News recalls that Access Bank launched an initiative to boost the creative industry with loan facilities aimed at capacity building and employment for individuals and businesses in movie production and distribution, fashion, IT and music.
“Our commitment also extends to the support of small business owners through initiatives that provide access to finance for growth and expansion.We continue to be concerned by the inconvenience that our affected customers are experiencing. We stand ready to play our part to remedy the situation and have the musing their accounts as quickly as possible,” the statement disclosed.
Also reacting to the freezing of accounts of the protesters, proponents of #EndSARS protesters have also taken to social media, particularly, Twitter has been trending with the hashtag #BoycottAccessBank- calling on people to close their accounts with Access Bank.
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