The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has vowed to prosecute point-of-sales (PoS) operators who collect exorbitant charges for transactions.

The CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said this in his meeting with members of the diplomatic corps.

While acknowledging the inconveniences caused by the naira redesign policy including hoarding and an elevated agitation, Emefiele promised to prosecute PoS operators who charge above the stipulated amount.

Emefiele admitted that while these are challenging times for Nigerians, they should not be exaggerated especially by people in authority to create panic.

The apex bank boss reiterated the benefits of the naira redesign, arguing that it has helped in reducing inflation and is leading to a moderation in exchange rates.

Emefiele appealed to the diplomatic corps and Nigerians to accept the policy.

He also briefed them on how the nation’s economy is faring but shared concerns about increasing inflation which he attributed to insecurity, elections spending, and the effect of the global market on the economy.

According to him, the nation’s growth rate is at 3.6 percent for 2023, noting that the economy will experience what he called subdued growth owing to the scarcity of petroleum products, increased spending which is being curtailed, and increasing debt levels.