My Banking Experience During Naira Redesign Policy

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That was during the currency redesigned policy in Nigeria. There was this woman whose shop was very close to my house which I used to patronize a lot of times.

Me being her regular customer, she was kind enough to agree to give me cash while I do a transfer of equivalent amount into her bank account. This made me very happy, thinking that I had overcome the nightmare of no cash flow. If only I knew what my dear Naija bank had in store for me.

Immediately, I proceeded to transfer the money into her account, only for my bank (United Bank Of Africa) UBA to debited me without the money being reflected in her bank account.

This happens around 40:30 pm on a Friday. Which means, no way I could visit my nearby branch until next Monday.

The only possible option for me was to reach out to my customer care representative . I called several times and there were no responses. The next day, which was Saturday, I tried calling again and luckily for me I was able to reach them. I laid my complaint and I was told to go to the nearest branch to fill a form for the reversal. I was heartbroken because I didn't have enough foodstuff at home that my children would eat till Monday. That was the reason why I wanted cash in the first place, so I could go and buy some food items.

Very early on Monday, I went to the bank. On getting to the bank, the security personnel told me that I could not enter immediately. I had to pick a number and stayed outside till it was my turn before I was called upon to enter the banking hall. On getting to the staff in charge of such a complaint, I explained everything to him and he gave me a form to fill. I filled the form and he assured me that I would get the reversal in the next 5 working days. At that point I didn't know what to do again because there was nothing in the house to give my children and I didn't have any money.

I had to call my husband to send me money. Immediately I got the alert, I rushed to the ATM to withdraw it. I met many people in the queue. I waited for my turn. I noticed that the next person before me was not able to withdraw. He stepped aside. I tried mine for the first time, the ATM rejected my card. I removed it and inserted it again and the machine seized my debit card. It was almost 4: pm which is the official closing hour. I went inside to seek help but I was told that it was closing time and that I would have to come back the following day for the card.

At that point I was so frustrated and stressed out. I began to shout. I said I was not going anywhere without the card because I needed money. It was necessary for me to buy something for my children as there was nothing to eat at home. Going back home empty-handed wasn't an option. "They should provide my card," I insisted. Other people joined me as well to demand for the official's intervention. I told them that it would not cost them anything, they should just go in there and get me the debit card. At that point the whole bank hall turned into a market scene. One of the staff said they should answer me. So finally they brought my card. I collected it and left the bank. After 5 working days, I got a reversal of my money.

This is my entry for this week's prompt of #hivenaija. Thank you all for your support and comments,