Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised Nigerians to forego cash transactions and adopt alternative payment methods like electronic transfers to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
CBN Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okoroafor, on Tuesday gave the advice. He pointed out that one of the ways people could contract the disease was by touching an infected surface or object and then touching one’s mouth, nose or sensitive body parts. In view of this, he said, it was safer for Nigerians to adopt alternative payment methods such as electronic transfers, internet banking, USSD transfers, use of mobile banking apps, etc, to avoid contracting or spreading the disease.
Okoroafor noted that these alternative payment methods came with benefits, were well developed and worked well.
He said:”Its efficiency has minimised liquidity, settlement, systemic credit and operational risks which were inherent in financial transactions. It is secured, reliable, accessible, prompt and cost effective to meet all users’ needs. Nigerians should use it.’’
He added that the Naira note is one surface that different people come in contact with on daily basis, and advised that it would also be wise for users to wash hands after handling money, before touching food. This is particularly important for people, who constantly handle food to be eaten by others.