By Aduragbemi Omiyale
As the deadline for the stoppage in the use of old N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes as legal tender in the country draws closer, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to open their doors on Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 29, 2023, to customers for cash deposits.
The CBN maintained that it would not shift the deadline for the deposit of old Naira notes from Tuesday, January 31, 2023, despite calls from different quarters, including from the National Assembly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and others.
According to the CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, 100 days is enough for Nigerians to take their old notes to banks for the newly redesigned denominations.
There had been reports that the new notes were very scarce and that banks were still dispensing the old notes, leaving many customers confused.
On Friday, many commercial banks sent messages to their customers, informing them they could bring their old notes this Saturday and Sunday.
One of the lenders, UBA, in its message said, “This weekend, all our branches will be open for cash deposits only.
“Opening times [are] Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2.00 pm.
“Please note that all old naira notes, 200, 500, and 1000, cease to be in use from January 31, 2023.
“You can continue to bank seamlessly on all our digital channels, including Leo, UBA Mobile App, internet banking and *919#.”
Another bank, Fidelity Bank, said, “To help you meet January 31, 2023, deadline for depositing your old Naira notes, our branches will open as detailed below.
“Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday, January 29, 2023, from 11 am to 3 pm.
“Please note that only cash deposit transactions would be entertained on these days.”
Dipo Olowookere 
Modupe Gbadeyanka