Long Queues And Cash Scarcity Hit ATM Stands In Calabar

Nelson Utip

Long queues are observed at Automated Teller Machine stands I Calabar, The Cross River State capital, making residents raise alarm as the yuletide season approaches. Some residents who spoke to Newsmen on Wednesday complained that having access to cash is a mirage in the last one week.

Worst hit are small scale businesses that do not have Point of Sale (POS) and online banking facilities, POS operators are currently taking advantage of the situation to fleece customers with outrageous charges on transactions.

Talking to Newsmen, Abel Uwem, a Calabar-based teacher, described the situation as ‘terrible and tortuous’, urging banks to provide cash their customers.

“How do we cope during the yuletide without cash? Many of the ATM machines in town are not dispensing cash.” Uwem said.

Another victim, Anekan Bassey who is a Mechanic said that the problem was caused by banks’ who peg the daily withdrawals to a paltry N5,000 to customers.

“POS operators claim to buy cash from banks and petrol stations, so they sell to members of the public in order to remain in business.

“This is unfair, even with money in your account, you can’t have access to cash. The situation is becoming unbearable.” Bassey said.

According to Miss Uduak Enoch, a nurse, she woke up as early as 5.00a.m to join a queue at an ATM stand in order to get cash.

“There is also no guarantee that you will get cash. Most of the ATM stands do not dispense more than N10,000,”  Enoch said.

To Omini Mike, a POS Operator, he charged higher for withdrawals because he purchased cash from petrol stations and supermarkets.

“So when you see me charging more on transactions, it’s not my fault, I need to make profit, I invested to acquire the cash.” Mike said.