By Dipo Olowookere
Some commercial banks operating in Nigeria have announced that on Monday, December 31, 2018, they will close earlier than before.
One of the banks, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, in a notice to its customers, said its branches in Lagos will close for the day by 3pm tomorrow, while those outside Lagos will conclude banking operations by 2pm.
“Please be informed that on Monday, December 31, 2018, our branches in Lagos will close at 3pm and our branches outside Lagos will close at 2pm.
“This is to enable us complete the cash count exercise for 2018 financial year.
“We encourage you to take advantage of our secure, convenient and always ON alternative channels for all your bank needs,” a notice from GTBank to its customers seen by Business Post said.
On its part, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc informed its customers that banking operations at its counters will stop by 12 noon on Monday.
“Season’s greetings to you and your loved ones. Please be informed that our branches will be open until 12 noon on Monday, December 31, 2018 to ensure your financial needs are met before the New Year holiday.
“We encourage you to make use of our electronic banking channels during this period. Our platforms give you access to 24/7 secure banking.
“Our branches will reopen for business on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
“We appreciate your patronage and wish you the very best for 2019,” the notice from UBA to its customers read.
For Diamond Bank, it said, “Our branches will open for business on Monday, December 31, 2018 from 8am-2pm. “We will not open on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 in view of the public holiday. Normal banking hours will resume on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Aduragbemi Omiyale