*Other banks may join soon
Due to an increase in the cost of diesel, First Bank has adjusted its banking hours for branches across the country.
According to information reaching TBI Africa, branches of the bank all over the country are to operate from 8am to 1pm based on their locations, others from 8am to 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Out of over 500 branches owned by the bank, 150 branches are pegged at 10am to 3pm and 401 branches are opening 8am and closing between 1pm and 4pm.
Specifically, 92 of these branches are expected to close at 1pm, while 85 others are expected to close at 4pm. Only 8 branches fell in the category of 2pm closing time while the remaining branches with opening time of either 8am or 10am close at 3pm.
The bank’s revised opening and closing hours is effective from Monday, 11 April 2022, but it noted that its alternative and digital channels are available and accessible 24/7 anywhere and anytime to meet customers’ banking needs.
However, TBI Africa learnt this action might not be pegged on the issue of cost of diesel alone as it is made to believe but rather a preparation for something in the pipeline for all banks in Nigeria.
It was gathered that the World Bank in conjunction with the Nigerian banks are looking at the possibility of having solar-paneled kiosk in troubled areas of the country in place of their various branches.
TBI Africa gathered that the kiosk operators will have the bank’s PoS and a charging point while the solar provides the electricity.
Contacting the apex bank, the contact at the CBN said he is not aware. “I am not familiar with the reference project. You may be able to get the information on it from the World Bank website or their officials” he said.
