The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has directed its members to continue to receive the old naira notes until February 10.

The union’s president, Tajudeen Baruwa, gave the directive on Monday when the director-general of the National Orientation Agency, Garba Abari, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

Mr Baruwa urged his members to allow relevant government agencies to implement the monetary policy. He said he had discussed the rejection of old naira notes with the NOA boss for proper sensitisation.

“We have discussed with the director-general of NOA that most people are rejecting the old naira notes in spite of the deadline extension, and he promised to do something about it,” he explained. “I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt. I am hopeful before February 10, they will do something, and I know with such intervention, the public will not reject the old notes again.”

Mr Abari said the visit was to collaborate with the union on the government’s currency redesigned policy to take the message to the grassroots and give feedback.

“We are also embarking on community sensitisation to address issues of fake new banknotes. There is a need for Nigerians to look out for specific security features on the new notes, such as the coat of arms when you raise the note to view it, security ink and mark on the notes,” the NOA boss stated.

He added, “These are the signs, and this is the reason why NURTW needs to come in.” 

(NAN)