Naira Transactions: Avoid PoS Terminals – CBN Issues New Directive

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned its agents to stay away from Point of Sale (PoS) terminals meant for merchants to carry out cash-in and cash-out transactions.

The apex bank gave the order in a circular announcing the Exposure Draft of the Regulatory Framework for Agent Banking in Nigeria.

The apex bank stated that the agent banking initiative has resulted in the proliferation of financial services agents across Nigeria.

The bank said this has resulted in a significant and growing portion of financial transactions being conducted through the agents.

CBN said: “This has necessitated the review of agent banking regulations to streamline activities in agent banking while ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are taken by stakeholders.”

Section 8.3 of the guidelines which highlighted prohibited activities for agents stated: “An agent shall not accept deposit or allow withdrawal above an amount which shall be prescribed, from time to time by the bank.

“Use the wrong option for transactions e.g agents shall not use the purchase option PoS Terminals for cash in and cash out transactions.”