In a move aimed at protecting the interests of Nigerian citizens, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its recent decision to increase Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction charges.
The CBN had announced plans to introduce new charges for ATM transactions, effective March 1, 2025. Under the new policy, customers would be charged ₦100 for every ₦20,000 withdrawn from another bank’s ATM. However, lawmakers argued that this move would place an undue financial burden on Nigerians.
Following a motion of urgent public importance, the House of Representatives urged the CBN to put the policy on hold pending further engagement with relevant committees. The lawmakers stressed the need for the CBN to reconsider its decision and explore alternative solutions that would not negatively impact citizens.
The CBN had attributed the reviewed charges to rising costs and the need to improve the efficiency of ATM services in the country. However, critics have argued that the new policy would disproportionately affect low-income earners and those who rely heavily on ATM transactions.
As the debate surrounding the ATM charge increase continues, the House of Representatives’ intervention is seen as a significant step towards protecting the interests of Nigerian citizens.
