President Muhammadu Buhari says he is “deeply pained and sincerely” sympathises with Nigerians “over these unintended outcomes.”

He then directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies in checking the activities of those bent on frustrating the smooth implementation of the currency redesign policy.

The president gave the directive while addressing Nigerians via a national broadcast on the CBN currency swap policy on Thursday in Abuja, calling on the apex bank to ensure institutions and people impeding or sabotaging the implementation should be nabbed and prosecuted.

“I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all over these unintended outcomes,” Mr Buhari explained.

He added, “To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.”

Mr Buhari stressed that considering the health of “our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.”

He assured Nigerians that his regime would continue to assess the implementation of the cash swap policy to ensure that they “are not unnecessarily burdened.”

”In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks. I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time,” Mr Buhari added.

(NAN)