TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
For allegedly operating without compliance with established safety protocol for the easing of COVID-19 lockdown, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has threatened to seal up some Guarantee Trust Banks in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The FCTA on Tuesday issued a twenty-four hour ultimatum to the three affected branches of the bank in Area 3, 11 and Central Business District respectively, so as to enable them put the necessary COVID 19 safety measures in place for their customers.
Chairman , FCT Enforcement Team on COVID-19, Comrade Ikharo Attah issued the warning to the management of the bank in area 3 Abuja during a monitoring exercise.
He , however, lamented that the lives of customers were being endangered at the bank premises without the observance of physical distancing, canopies and chairs for their customers, called for the setting up of hand washing facilities at entry points.
Attah further stated that , ” This particular bank (GTB) is not observing Covid-19 safety protocol at all. There is only one thermometer for this large crowd.
” I have been to this particular branch for more than four times and this bank enjoys large crowd and we are happy for them.
“Not organizing for its customers to sit and wait. There was no social distancing and most of them are not even wearing facial masks. The bank should provide canopy, chairs, and hand washing points.
He continued; “We are giving them 24 hours to get all all these things in place or risk been sealed. It will not cost up to N100,000.
“Because, they should take the lives of their customers very seriously. Their customers should be treated with utmost dignity. I give them 24 hours”.
It was also observed that some customers who were seen visibly angry over what they described as poor management practices by the bank, alleged that some of the bank staff were favouring some individuals that were not on queue.
Others who decried that they have spent more than 4 hours without getting their cash, also called on the GT bank to open up their branches to avoid large crowds.
