Nigerians on social media expressed a mix of frustration and skepticism in response to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) call for public participation in a survey aimed at assessing the availability of Naira notes across the country.
The announcement, made on Thursday through the bank’s X handle, comes amidst persistent nationwide shortages of cash, leading to long queues at ATMs and frustration in markets and businesses.
“What is the situation on naira availability in your location? Kindly fill out this Survey to help us serve you better,” the CBN post reads.
What is the situation on naira availability in your location?
Kindly fill out this Survey to help us serve you better… https://t.co/Rndz5n0iLV pic.twitter.com/D9upfQdlgz— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) December 21, 2023
While some users welcomed the effort as a potential step towards addressing the crisis, many questioned the effectiveness of the survey and highlighted their lack of trust in government mechanisms.
Comments on X revealed several key concerns:
Why is there Naira Scarcity at exactly this time of the year? I thought we were over the ghost of Emefiele for good!!!
— Pastor Who (@PastorMarvy) December 21, 2023
It’s official, there’s Naira scarcity.
— Duke of Africa (@Allezamani) December 19, 2023
Nigeria, why is there scarcity of Naira?
Where did all our money go?
No bank has cash for withdrawal, ATMs don’t have cash to dispense.Where did all the money go? Who is collecting or hiding the naira?
What are they planning? Did they bury the cash?What is really happening? pic.twitter.com/WTY8zPd3Rp
— SERAH IBRAHIM (@TheSerahIbrahim) December 20, 2023
But why is there a scarcity of Naira again fgs!!!!
Why are these people trying so hard to frustrate common man in this country????
— Cross˚ (@Elkrosmediahub) December 20, 2023
Naira scarcity looms but as usual, they're blaming Emefiele who is in prison.
APC will never change, always finding someone to blame for their serial failures.
— Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) December 20, 2023
Overall, the public response to the CBN’s survey paints a picture of a frustrated and unconvinced Nigerian populace.
While some remain hopeful, the dominant sentiment is one of skepticism born from past disappointments and a continued struggle with the crippling scarcity of Naira.
It remains to be seen whether the CBN’s initiative can address these concerns and translate into tangible solutions for a nation grappling with a cash crisis.
