Deployment of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

09-61638445 09-61638455 (Fax)
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Business Central Area District P.M.B. 0187 Garki, Abuja April 7, 2009 BOD/DIR/CIR/GEN/01/48 TO: ALL DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS

Deployment Of Automated Teller Machines

The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed with satisfaction the growth in the adoption of the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by Nigerians as one of the channels of e- The Bank is therefore committed to ensuring that the deployment and payment.

management of ATMs within the economy are in line with global best practices.

It would be recalled that one of the policies guiding the operations of ATM consortium (ATMC) is that the ATMC shall have the sole mandate to deploy ATMs at public places while the banks shall deploy ATMs only within their premises.

The CBN has observed with concern that the banks are competing with the ATMC in the deployment of ATMs in public places. A worrisome trend is the number of ATMs at the airports and hotel lobbies, which if unchecked would soon, congest these public places.

Against this backdrop, the CBN hereby directs that banks should forthwith restrict the deployment of the ATMs to their premises. Banks are further advised to re-deploy all existing ATMs in public places to their premises on or before June 30, 2009.

Furthermore, in line with the Bank's policy on shared payments infrastructure by the banking industry and the need to effectively respond to the rising demand for ATM services by the public, the CBN has decided to commence soon, the process of licensing an additional ATM consortium. This will bring the total number of ATM consortia in the economy to (2) two. The two (2) consortia shall be solely responsible for the deployment of ATMs in public places in line with this policy and best practices.

Thank you.
James K. A. Olekah Director, Banking Operations Department