During a meeting held at the main campus in Nwaniba, Uyo, Mrs. Mercy Itohan Ogbomon-Paul, the Branch Controller of CBN in Uyo, highlighted that the initiative was established in 2022 to enhance the efficiency and convenience of the payment system.
Mrs. Ogbomon-Paul, represented by Mr. Isang Enya, Assistant Director at CBN, emphasized that the partnership aims to encourage Nigerians to embrace the e-Naira payment platform, aligning with the bank's commitment to facilitating its adoption.
While underscoring the benefits of the e-Naira, which include aiding monetary policy decision-making, the CBN Branch Controller expressed concerns over the slow adoption of the platform by Nigerians who still prefer traditional cash transactions.
She said, “As you are aware, the Central Bank of Nigeria in its wisdom and in line with best practices adopted the e-Naira platform since 2021as a platform that will help to make our payment system more viable, and very easy.
“What is remaining is for our people to key into the Initiative. In Nigeria people are used to carrying physical cash. Other countries have gone beyond using the physical cash payment.
“So, we are here to seek partnership with you (UNIUYO) on this initiative of the CBN to spread the message of e-Naira to the University community”
In response, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, expressed gratitude to the CBN Branch Controller for providing insights into the benefits of the e-Naira payment system. However, he emphasized the importance of devising a strategy to effectively reach out to the grassroots in the state.
Prof. Ndaeyo acknowledged that the university had already embraced the e-Naira platform and expressed interest in partnering with the CBN on various initiatives beyond just the e-Naira.
”There are many things that you people can do for us. In the area of Agriculture we have functional faculty of Agriculture here. And we know that you people help a lot in the area of Agriculture. We are ready, our doors are open”
