The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday dismissed reports that Heritage Bank was in distress and unable to discharge its obligations to depositors.
The apex bank said in a statement issued by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, that Heritage Bank was not in distress.
The CBN called on depositors of Heritage Bank to disregard the reports and continue doing business with the lender.
The statement read in part, “The attention of the CBN has been drawn to false and malicious stories on the social media insinuating that Heritage Bank is under financial distress and therefore unable to discharge its obligations to its depositors.
“We wish to state that Heritage Bank is not in distress and, as such, its depositors should go about their transactions without fear. For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to further state that no Nigerian bank is in distress.
“The CBN, as the industry regulator, has a duty to depositors, in particular, and the economy in general, to ensure the soundness of all financial institutions.
“We, therefore, wish to assure all depositors of the safety of their deposits.”
The apex bank also said that it would continue to ensure the soundness and safety of the Nigerian financial system.
Okoroafor added, “The CBN also wishes to state that it will remain alive to its responsibility of ensuring banking system stability and soundness through constant monitoring and supervision of all licensed institutions.
“The CBN wishes to reiterate that the banking system remains resilient enough to weather the current economic storm.”
