Business

Cash rush: ATM withdrawals jump 198% to N36tn

Published

9 months ago

January 19, 2026

Nigerians continued to lean heavily on cash withdrawals despite higher automated teller machine charges introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, as the value of ATM transactions jumped to N36.34tn in the first half of 2025, reinforcing the resilience of cash usage in the economy.

Data from the CBN quarterly statistical bulletin show that ATM withdrawals between January and June 2025 amounted to N36.34tn, nearly tripling the N12.21tn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

This represents an increase of N24.13tn, equivalent to a 197.66 per cent year on year rise, even as regulators moved to discourage excessive cash usage through revised fees and tightening monetary policy.

According to the data on the transaction volumes, Nigerians carried out 858.80 million ATM withdrawals in the first six months of 2025, compared with 496.47 million transactions in the same period of 2024. The increase of 362.34 million transactions represents a growth rate of 72.98 per cent, indicating that higher charges did little to dampen demand for cash.

The sharp rise comes against the backdrop of the CBN’s revised ATM fee regime, which took effect in March 2025. Under the new framework, customers using another bank’s ATM now pay N100 per N20,000 withdrawn, with additional surcharges of up to N500 per N20,000 on offsite ATMs such as those located in malls, fuel stations, and airports.

The removal of the previous allowance of three free monthly withdrawals on other banks’ ATMs further increased the cost of accessing cash. The apex bank attributed the review to rising costs and the need to enhance efficiency in ATM operations.

The circular read, “In response to rising costs and the need to improve efficiency of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has reviewed the ATM transaction fees prescribed in Section 10.7 of the extant CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide).

“This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service. Accordingly, banks and other financial institutions are advised to apply the following fees with effect from March 1, 2025.”

Despite these changes, quarterly data show that ATM usage accelerated markedly in 2025. In the first quarter, ATM withdrawals totalled N15.97tn, compared with N5.46tn in the first quarter of 2024. This reflects an increase of N10.52tn, or about 192.9 per cent.

Transaction volumes in the quarter rose from 210.66 million to 411.42 million, an increase of 200.76 million transactions, equivalent to roughly 95.3 per cent growth.

The momentum strengthened further in the second quarter. Between April and June 2025, Nigerians withdrew N20.36tn from ATMs, more than three times the N6.75tn recorded in the second quarter of 2024. The increase of N13.61tn represents a growth of about 201.7 per cent.

Volumes also rose from 285.81 million transactions in the second quarter of 2024 to 447.39 million in the same period of 2025, an increase of 161.57 million transactions or about 56.5 per cent. A closer look at the monthly figures highlights how consistently ATM usage expanded throughout the six-month period.

In January 2025, ATM withdrawals stood at N4.81tn, compared with N2.15tn in January 2024. Transaction volumes more than doubled, rising from 69.62 million to 147.24 million, a year-on-year increase of about 111.5 per cent.

February saw withdrawals rise to N5.40tn, up from N1.72tn a year earlier, representing growth of about 215 per cent. Transaction volumes climbed from 73.16 million to 134.59 million, an increase of roughly 84 per cent.

In March, ATM withdrawals reached N5.76tn, compared with N1.60tn in March 2024, translating to a growth of about 261 per cent, while volumes increased by about 91 per cent to 129.59 million transactions.

The second quarter sustained the upward trend. In April 2025, withdrawals rose to N6.38tn from N1.81tn in April 2024, an increase of about 252 per cent, with transaction volumes growing by roughly 77 per cent.

May recorded the highest monthly withdrawal value in the period at N7.44tn, up from N2.49tn a year earlier, representing a growth of about 199 per cent. Volumes also increased from 92.97 million to 160.10 million transactions, a rise of about 72 per cent.

In June, ATM withdrawals eased slightly to N6.55tn but still far exceeded the N2.45tn recorded in June 2024. The year-on-year increase of about 167 per cent was accompanied by a rise in transaction volumes from 113.17 million to 146.27 million, representing growth of about 29 per cent.

The persistence of high ATM usage contrasts with the steady expansion of point-of-sale transactions, which continue to dominate in absolute terms. POS transaction values rose from N85.91tn in the first half of 2024 to N147.20tn in the first half of 2025, while volumes increased from 6.40 billion to 7.72 billion transactions.

However, the pace of growth in ATM withdrawals outstripped that of POS channels, highlighting the enduring role of cash in daily economic activity.

In a FAQ document published by the apex bank on its website, which provides further information on the CBN’s directive on ATM withdrawal fees, the apex bank clarified that financial institutions are not permitted to charge more than the prescribed fees, although banks may reduce charges depending on their business strategy.

Any bank found in violation of the directive, including compelling customers to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction despite sufficient funds in their account, will be sanctioned accordingly.

To minimise transaction fees, the CBN has advised customers to prioritise withdrawals from their bank’s own ATMs. It also encouraged Nigerians to explore alternative payment methods such as mobile banking applications, POS transactions, and electronic transfers to reduce reliance on cash withdrawals.

A FinTech Executive and Techpreneur, Tope Dare, earlier warned that the CBN’s revised ATM withdrawal fees, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, will hurt low-income Nigerians while benefiting wealthier individuals.

“This policy ultimately favours those who can afford to withdraw larger sums, while the average Nigerian, who withdraws in smaller amounts, bears the brunt. For many low-income earners and small business owners, withdrawing N5,000 or N10,000 at a time is a daily necessity. Now, they face unfair charges that wealthier Nigerians can easily avoid,” he said.

Also, consumer rights group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project took legal action against the CBN, calling the policy “unfair, unreasonable, and unjust.” SERAP argued that the revised fees violate sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, which aims to prevent exploitation and ensure fair market practices.

In a statement signed by the TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the union urged all well-meaning Nigerians to reject what it described as an exploitative policy and demand its immediate reversal.

“Our attention has been drawn to a circular from the CBN announcing an increase in ATM transaction fees, effective March 1, 2025. We say unequivocally: enough is enough. The Nigerian workers and the general public have endured relentless economic hardship under this administration.

“Every day brings a new burden—higher taxes, rising electricity tariffs, exorbitant call and data charges, and now, increased ATM fees. This government has failed to cushion the effects of its harsh economic policies, and the patience of Nigerians is wearing thin.”

However, the Chairman of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Uju Ogubunka, said the increase was not such a bad idea, given the state of the economy, but expressed concerns about the rate of increase.

He said, “It should have been expected. Other places have increased their fees. The only thing one can talk about is the extent of the increase. Electricity, telephones, and even the open market have recorded increases in prices. The issue should not be the increase but the extent of it. Is it reasonable? Is it affordable at this point in time?

“It is not only banking services that are increasing fees. If you ask me, I will say let’s move on. Someday, these things will adjust themselves.”

Also in October 2025, the CBN directed Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions to refund customers for failed ATM transactions within 48 hours, in a sweeping reform aimed at protecting consumers and restoring confidence in the banking system.

According to the apex bank, these measures respond to widespread frustration over delayed refunds and poor customer service and form part of a broader effort to enhance consumer protection, improve reliability, and modernise Nigeria’s payment infrastructure in line with global standards.

The guidelines also overhauled ATM operations nationwide. Banks and card issuers are now required to deploy at least one ATM for every 5,000 active cards, with phased targets of 30 per cent compliance in 2026, 60 per cent in 2027, and full compliance by 2028. Any future deployment, relocation, or decommissioning of ATMs must receive prior approval from the CBN.

As ATMs become more efficient, The PUNCH observed an increase in cash outside banks. The PUNCH earlier reported that Nigerians withdrew a net N264.48bn from the banking system in November 2025, pushing the total cash held outside banks to N4.91tn, according to the CBN’s latest money and credit statistics data.

This represented a sharp month-on-month rise from N4.65tn recorded in October 2025, highlighting the continued preference for physical cash in daily transactions despite efforts to deepen electronic payment channels.

The data showed that currency in circulation as a whole also increased in November 2025, rising to N5.26tn from N5.06tn in October. This means the share of total currency circulating outside the banking sector climbed to about 93.34 per cent in November from 91.87 per cent in October.

The growing preference for physical cash raises several macroeconomic concerns. High out-of-bank cash weakens monetary control, reduces deposit mobilisation, creates liquidity constraints for banks, and encourages informal transactions that escape regulatory visibility.

It also complicates inflation targeting, as large cash holdings outside the banking system blunt the effectiveness of policy. The sharp rise in currency outside banks comes at a time when the CBN is focused on tightening liquidity to curb inflation.

Business

Nigerian states’ revenues rise 93%, but education spending drops — World Bank

Published

17 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The World Bank says Nigeria’s 36 states recorded a 93 per cent increase in revenues between 2023 and 2025 but education received a declining share of the sector’s expenditure.

The bank disclosed this in its latest Nigeria Development Update, which examined how increased public revenues have influenced spending priorities across the federation.

The report was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria by the World Bank in Washington D.C.

According to the report, states’ aggregate revenues rose by approximately 93 per cent in real terms, while expenditure increased by 92 per cent during the period.

The report attributed the improvement partly to exchange-rate reforms, petrol subsidy removal, stronger revenue administration and increased allocations from the federation account.

It said states also benefited from refunds, settlement of longstanding federal obligations, intervention funds, and stronger Value Added Tax collections.

However, education’s share of total state expenditure declined from 14.9 per cent in 2021 to 12.1 per cent in 2025, according to the report.

Health expenditure remained broadly stable at approximately seven per cent, while social protection’s share increased from 1.4 per cent to 4.4 per cent.

The bank said capital expenditure increased significantly, accounting for 61 per cent of state spending, compared with 46 per cent previously.

Transport infrastructure recorded the largest increase, alongside substantial spending on housing, agriculture and other economic investments.

The report quoted Mathew Verghis, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, as saying that increased revenues provided the opportunity to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and water services.

He said greater spending efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery were essential to ensuring that additional public resources benefited Nigerians.

The bank acknowledged improvements in states’ fiscal reporting, transparency and internally generated revenue.

It, however, stressed that stronger investment in human capital was necessary to translate economic reforms into sustainable employment and improved living standards.

The report also projected average economic growth of 4.4 per cent between 2026 and 2028, subject to sustained reforms and improved service delivery.

It urged federal and state authorities to ensure that increased public revenues translated into tangible improvements in Nigerians’ welfare.

NAN

Source: punchng.com

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Business

Nigeria promotes investment without building production capacity – UNILAG don

Published

18 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A professor of Comparative Political Economy at the University of Lagos, Adelaja Odukoya, has asserted that Nigeria’s economic policies promote investment without sufficiently strengthening domestic production.

Odukoya argued that the contradiction had weakened the country’s productive foundations, with policies encouraging investment and entrepreneurship while failing to create the technological capacity, productive employment and processing industries needed to drive sustainable development.

Odukoya spoke at the maiden edition of the Adeleke University Toyin Falola Annual Lecture, held on Thursday at the Performing Arts Theatre, Adeleke University, Ede.

The lecture had as its theme, “History, Power and Accumulation: Reimagining Africa in the Globally Disorderly Order.”

Odukoya identified several contradictions in the way the Nigerian state manages economic activity.

He said, “The state promotes investment without creating conditions for technological transfer. It encourages entrepreneurship without generating sufficient productive employment.

“It expands primary-product exports while leaving processing capacity undeveloped. It constructs infrastructure without establishing strong linkages with domestic production.”

According to him, the contradictions explain why increased economic activity and accumulation do not necessarily translate into development.

“Accumulation is not synonymous with development,” Odukoya stated.

He argued that genuine development should be measured by the expansion of productive, technological, institutional and human capabilities.

“A country could attract investment, export minerals and agricultural commodities and record economic activity while still failing to build the domestic industries and technological capabilities required for long-term development,” he said.

His argument was echoed by Prof Toyin Falola, who said Africa’s vast natural resources would continue to reinforce dependency unless governments developed the industrial, technological and institutional capacity to transform them into productive power.

Falola said Africa’s resource problem was not simply one of historical exploitation, but also the continent’s failure to convert its resource endowments into power.

“The issue, however, is not just to repeat the history of exploitation. It is more important to know how Africa turns its great resources into power,” Falola said.

He argued that Africa could not afford to remain a spectator as global economic and geopolitical arrangements continued to change, stressing that resource ownership without the capacity to add value would not guarantee influence.

Falola said the continent required a combination of knowledge, government policy and industrial capacity to change its economic position.

“There must be universities that generate new knowledge; there must be governments that translate this knowledge into policies; there must be industries that add value to the continent’s natural resources,” he said.

He added that Africa needed more than improved infrastructure and stronger economies if it wanted to exercise greater influence in the global system.

“The future of the continent will require more than just better infrastructure, improved economies, and more effective political institutions,” Falola said.

Source: punchng.com

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Business

Import waivers, insecurity end two-year agric trade surplus

Published

18 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Import waivers meant to ease hunger and insecurity on farms have led to a deficit, ending a two-year run of surpluses, as Nigeria’s agricultural trade balance swung from a N740.27bn surplus in the first half of 2025 to a N56.13bn deficit in H1 2026, according to agriculture and trade experts.

Recent foreign trade data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that agricultural exports fell by 33.28 per cent, or N985.14bn, to N1.98tn in H1 2026 from N2.96tn in H1 2025.

Agricultural imports fell by only 8.50 per cent, or N188.74bn, to N2.03tn from N2.22tn over the same period. The gap between the two movements produced a N796.40bn swing in the trade balance.

Nigeria recorded a N365.74bn deficit in H1 2023, when imports of N926.25bn far exceeded exports of N560.51bn. The balance then turned to a N194.92bn surplus in H1 2024 before it widened to N740.27bn in H1 2025.

In separate phone interviews with The PUNCH, Agribusiness experts, including the Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Agricultural and Allied Group, Tunde Banjoko, explained that recent government policy led to the shift.

Banjoko said, “Some waivers were given for products like palm oil and rice, and the import tariffs were drastically reduced. It became more favourable for people to import than to patronise local producers.”

He said the waivers on food commodities hurt domestic producers, even though lower tariffs on tractors and manufacturing equipment helped them.

According to Banjoko, “The effect is that our imports will rise above our exports. Second, we will discourage local production. Thirdly, we will be reducing employment, because some factories will shut down if they are not able to compete.”

Banjoko also said weak funding for processors compounds the problem. He said foreign direct investment flows mainly into the capital market rather than into production and processing, so local processors cannot scale.

He urged the Federal Government to speed up the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme. “We should speed up such projects where we can produce enough for our country and start exporting, not look for shortcuts by reducing prices,” Banjoko added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, identified two major factors behind the deficit. He said the first was the Federal Government’s decision to allow some food imports to tackle runaway inflation.

Yusuf said, “The first is the decision of the government to allow for some food imports as a result of the challenges of food inflation, which at a point was getting almost completely out of hand.”

He added that insecurity worsened the supply gap and cut export capacity, stating, “Insecurity led many farmers to leave their farms. Many of them have ended up in IDP camps, and quite a number have completely abandoned farming.”

He added that farmers cannot export without output. Yusuf said, “You can only export when you have the output.”

Yusuf also said high input costs and falling produce prices have discouraged farming. He said, “Most of these inputs are imported, so the exchange rate situation has seriously affected the cost of inputs, and the prices of produce have gone down.”

He urged the Federal Government to cut the cost of fertiliser, agrochemicals, machinery and improved seedlings. He also called for a minimum guaranteed price for agricultural produce.

Yusuf said, “The government can establish a threshold below which, if prices fall, it will give farmers some compensation. That is the way it is done in many other economies.”

Source: punchng.com

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