The Central Bank Governor (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, is before the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on New Naira Redesign and Naira Swap Policy, which is investigating the scarcity of the new naira notes.
Mr. Emefiele, while addressing the committee, explained that he had been out of the country, hence his failure to honor previous invitations.
Speaking about the redesign of the naira, he said the CBN’s actions were in line with international best practices and the apex bank has to be in control of the currency in circulation.
Mr. Emefiele said in 2015, N1.4 trillion was in circulation, and by last year, it had risen to N3.33 trillion.
He explained that the reason for directing banks to ensure only ATM withdrawals was to limit the daily withdrawals of individuals.
Emefiele debunk the trend of the new notes being sighted at parties and stated he was in meetings with commercial banks to mitigate these.
He acknowledged that the policies would harm some people, but argued that they were in the best interests of the country, particularly in combating insecurity.
Emefiele had failed to appear before the lawmakers despite initial requests, detailing in a series of letters that he was in the United States on an important assignment.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, would go on to state that he would not hesitate to ask the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, to issue an arrest warrant on Emiefele to compel him to appear before the House.
ALSO, READ
