Commercial banks in Kaduna State on Thursday, said they have lost customers following job losses, unemployment and decline in bank customers’ businesses.
Most banks visited on Thursday as workers resume from Sallah holiday were operating on a low key.
Most of the customers were at the ATM withdrawing money, while others were transferring money to their loved ones.
Several counters in some of the banks visited were empty, as staff were transferred to other sections where their services were required.
It was gathered that irked by the devasting economic meltdown, some banks in Kaduna had sacked their staff due to lack of customers, while others have placed their staff on casual status, or “pay as you work principle.”
A bank manager who pleaded anonymity said they have reduced their staff strength by 50 per cent because they are no longer making profits as their customers keep reducing on a daily basis.
“Customers are always withdrawing money without corresponding bank deposits. Where do we get money to transact businesses to earn us profits?” he asked
A customer of one of the banks in Kaduna, Dr. Amos Ubangeji explained that he had previously saved over a million in his account, but had withdrawn all due to the economic meltdown as his business is no longer in place.
According to him, ” I am into furniture and I have over 20 workers in my company. But, since four years ago, my customers have not shown up again. Many who have contacted me for a business, called me that they have been sacked.
” Even companies, ministries and parastatals that order for chairs, desks and office chairs are no longer making any move. Where will I get enough to take to the bank”?
Dr. Usman Abdul who lectures at the Kaduna State University, (KASU), said once his salary enters through the bank, he withdraws all without leaving a kobo in the bank.
According to him, “The salary is not enough for me. How can I leave some in the bank? Going by the cost of living today, I hardly save,” he said.
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