The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a daily withdrawal limit of N100,000 per customer for point-of-sale (PoS) terminals.
In a circular sent to all deposit money banks (DMBs), microfinance banks, mobile money operators, and super-agents, titled ‘Cash-out limits for agent banking transactions,’ CBN stated that the restriction aligns with the apex bank’s ongoing efforts to promote a cash-less economy.
The circular explained that these measures aim to address identified challenges, combat fraud, and establish uniform operational standards across the industry.
“In view of the above, ALL principals of agents are to comply with the following directives immediately:
i. Issuers shall set a cash withdrawal limit (cash-out) per customer (regardless of channel) to N500,000.00 per week,” the circular reads.
“ii. Ensure that all agent banking terminals are set to a daily maximum transaction cash-out limit of N100,000.00 per customer.
“iii. Ensure that each agent’s daily cumulative cash-out limit shall not exceed N1,200,000.00.
“iv. Ensure that agent banking services are clearly demarcated from merchant activities and that agents apply the approved Agent Code 6010 for agent banking activities.
“v. Ensure that agency banking activities are consummated exclusively through agent float accounts maintained with the principals.
“vi. Monitor accounts associated with the agents’ BVN(S) with a view to identifying agent banking activities which may be conducted outside the designated float account(s).
“vii. Ensure that all agent terminals are connected to a PTSA.
“viii. Ensure that all daily transactions per agent, including withdrawals, limits of transactions and balances in the float accounts of each agent, are sent electronically to NIBSS as a report to the CBN. The template of this report will be sent to principals.”
CBN emphasized that, as outlined in the guidelines for the regulation of agent banking and agent banking relationships in Nigeria, principals would be held fully responsible and liable for all actions and omissions of their agents related to agent banking services.
The apex bank also cautioned that it would carry out oversight activities, including impromptu back-end configuration checks to ensure compliance.
CBN warned that violations of the directives in the circular will result in appropriate penalties, including monetary and/or administrative sanctions.