The Lagos State Judiciary has said that its directive to the court registries across the state to reject the collection of the old naira notes on Monday was as a result of banks’ refusal to accept the old notes.
In a statement dated 15th February, 2023, the Acting Chief Registrar, T.A Elias explained that the banks’ rejection of the huge cash collected by the registries necessitated the decision. He however noted that after due consultation, “the Judiciary resolved to receive cash payments, alongside electronic transfers from the Public.”
The statement reads in part:
“The attention of Lagos State Judiciary has been drawn to some news making the rounds on the rejection of old Naira notes by officials of the Court in Lagos. It has therefore become necessary to put the records straight.
As usual cash collected at our various Registries were taken to the Banks for deposit. On Monday 13th February, 2023, the Bankers refused to collect the cash. Under the Financial Regulations there’s a limit to how much cash, we could hold in house, and for security reasons too. We therefore had to consult the appropriate quarters on the development.
In the circumstance, the public was advised to make use of the existing electronic platform for payments whilst the development was being dealt with.
After due consultations today, the Lagos State Judiciary resolved to receive cash payments, alongside electronic transfers from the Public.
The Lagos State Judiciary wishes to reiterate that it is an integral part of the Nigerian Judiciary and holds tenaciously to the due administration of Justice and the Rule of Law generally.