By Muhammadu Sabiu
The presidential candidate in the 2023 election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to extend the deadline for the exchange of old naira notes.
This was contained in an address posted on his verified Facebook Hausa page.
Recall that a CBN policy says that the old naira notes in circulation will cease to be legal tender on January 31, 2023.
Commenting about the deadline, Atiku Abubakar noted that such a policy is practised worldwide due to its impact on the economy, adding that Nigerians, at this critical moment, need an extension of the deadline.
He was quoted as saying, “There is no doubt that the CBN policy has generated heated debates within and outside Nigeria.
“It should be noted that the change of currency is a normal practice from time to time—it is not something new.
“Looking at the fact that the January 31st deadline is drawing nearer, patriotic Nigerians are expressing their fear of the policy worsening the situation of Nigerians.
“It would be difficult for many people who do not transact online to have their old notes changed before the deadline.
“While we will continue to educate people on the policy, it’s important for the CBN to consider extending the deadline.”