CBN Insists On 2012 Date For Mobile Payment

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said that it does not consider going back on its planned transformation of the economy into a cashless society, an economic operation billed to take off next year with Lagos as the pilot state.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, gave the assurance at the weekend in Lagos in his remarks as a special guest at the send forth dinner organised by Airtel Nigeria for Dr. Alex Otti, former board member, Airtel Networks Limited and current Group Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc.

According to the CBN Governor, the apex bank has gone far with plans to ensure successful take off of the operation.

“We have reached a point in this nation where a combination of banking and telecoms is needed. So far, we have 60,000-80,000 terminals for Lagos. I can assure you that by January, the life of Lagosians will change in a significant way because the way we do banking is going to change.

“This is one fundamental way in which Telecoms and banking can change the lives of Nigerians. I must thank the telecoms firms for their partnership.”

Mallam Sanusi also dismissed the fear in some quarters that some banks in the country may be weak, insisting, “There is no weak bank in Nigeria. All the banks in Nigeria are fully capitalised, we have less than 5% non-performing ratio while the liquidity ratio is zero.”

Meanwhile, renowned industrialist and chairman, board of directors, Airtel Networks Limited, Oba Otudeko, has described the telecoms giant as a responsible employer of labour which conducts its business in most acceptable professional and ethical manner.

Oba Otudeko who also spoke at the dinner, said, “Airtel is here to do business professionally and ethically. Airtel will create huge employment opportunities, directly and indirectly, for our teeming young population.”

Oba Otudeko, who is also the chairman of the Honeywell Group, also assured Nigerians of the commitment of the telecom operator to partnerships that can promote development in the country.

“We are passionately committed to being responsible partners to the good people of Nigeria, starting with the government and in particular with our valued staff, in a happy, peaceful and harmonious industrial relationship.”

Oba Otudeko also assured that the telecoms operator is in Nigeria for the long haul. “I want to assure Nigerians that Airtel is here to stay. Airtel is here to help develop the telecommunications industry. Our commitment to providing world-class quality services, at affordable prices is not negotiable,” he said.

The send forth dinner had in attendance captains of industry, administrators, retired military officers, accomplished bankers and media moguls among whom are retired Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof. Pat Utomi, Biodun Shobanjo, Prince Ajibola Afonja, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Dr. Pascal Dozie, Nduka Obaigbena, Dr.(Mrs) Stella Okoli, and Ben Akabueze.