CBN Plans Solution To ATM Queues

CBN Plans Solution To ATM Queues

Sponsored Ads

The Central Bank of Nigeria is preparing new rules to control how banks issue debit cards and run automated teller machines as part of efforts to fix ongoing cash access problems across the country.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

The plan was made public in Lagos at the 2026 Committee of Heads of Bank Operations Conference, where the CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, spoke through his adviser, Fatai Karim, on the need to restore order in card issuance and ATM deployment.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

The regulator said many banks issue far more debit cards than their ATM networks can support, leading to long queues, frequent breakdowns and uneven access to cash in several locations.

According to the apex bank, repeated ATM failures and cash shortages have continued to weaken trust in electronic payment channels, even as more Nigerians rely on digital banking for daily transactions.

The CBN said consultations with industry players are already underway and the policy could take effect within months, with the aim of improving ATM performance, ensuring fair cash distribution and rebuilding confidence in the payment system.