Major banks in Lagos State witnessed large crowds as customers turned out to make last-minute withdrawals for the Christmas celebrations.
A visit to some of the banks by our correspondent yesterday discovered that some banks had told their customers they were closing business by 2pm. The large crowds within banking premises had also forced security men at the banks to prevent many customers from entering the banking halls.
Even those who wanted to withdraw via their ATM cards were allowed entry.
At the branch of a new generation bank at Ogba, the security officials pleaded with customers to visit another branch of the bank as the number of customers inside the bank already within the banking hall was overwhelming the bank workers.
“Please go to another branch or look for another ATM point. They have stopped charging the N100 on transaction,” a security official begged the customers.
Also, the markets were filled with people making last-minute purchases even as shoppers complained that prices of items had risen beyond their expectations.
A bag of rice which used to go for between N7,500 and N8, 000 now sells for between N9,000 and N10,500 depending on the brand; while a carton of chicken now goes for N8,500 as against N6,000 previously.
Prices of other items, such as tin tomatoes, seasoning cubes, salad and drinks had equally appreciated in price.