News
CBN Introduces New Minimum Standards, Sets Fresh ATM Deployment Ratio
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled new minimum standards governing the deployment, operation, maintenance and security of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs across the country).
The apex bank announced the directives in a circular titled “Exposure of the Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Nigeria”, released on Thursday, noting that the new framework supersedes all previous ATM-related regulations.
Under the revised guidelines, all card-issuing institutions are now required to deploy a minimum of one ATM for every 5,000 payment cards issued. The CBN directed that full compliance must be achieved within three years, with a phased implementation beginning in 2026, when at least 30 per cent of the requirement must be met. Full compliance is expected by 2028.
The CBN further stipulated that ATMs must be sited in locations that guarantee the safety and security of users, as well as the confidentiality of transactions. Machines are not to be installed outside buildings unless they are properly secured and bolted to the floor.
According to the circular, all ATM deployment, redeployment or decommissioning activities will now require prior written approval from the CBN. Independent ATM Deployers are also mandated to obtain written clearance from the regulator and meet licensing or registration requirements, including evidence of a partnership with a bank for cash provisioning.
On transaction failures and refunds, the CBN directed that reversals for on-us transactions—where customers use their own bank’s ATM—must be instant. Where technical issues prevent immediate reversal, manual refunds must not exceed 24 hours. For not-on-us transactions, involving the use of another bank’s ATM, refunds are to be completed within 48 hours.
The guidelines also require acquirers to implement automatic refund mechanisms that promptly initiate reversals for non-dispense errors without waiting for intervention from the issuing bank or the customer.
In terms of security, all ATMs must be equipped with cameras that record activities around the machine, including card insertion and cash withdrawals, while excluding customers’ keystrokes. Networks used for ATM operations must be tested and certified to ensure data confidentiality. The CBN also mandated the installation of anti-skimming devices on all ATMs to curb fraud.
ATM keys are to be changed annually, with strict instructions that the same keys must not be used across multiple machines. Customers, the bank added, must be allowed to change their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) free of charge. All ATM deployers and acquirers are required to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
On operations and maintenance, the CBN stated that technical downtime for any ATM must not exceed 72 consecutive hours. Where this is unavoidable, customers must be duly informed. Cash availability at ATMs must be maintained at all times, with the responsibility resting solely on the bank that entered into a deployment agreement with any non-bank institution.
Banks are also required to clearly display helpdesk contacts, applicable charges and fees at ATM locations. Machines must issue receipts for all transactions requested by customers, except balance enquiries.
The CBN disclosed that it will conduct periodic audits and onsite checks to monitor compliance with the guidelines, including cash availability and service efficiency. All institutions are required to submit monthly reports on new ATM deployments to the regulator no later than the fifth day of the following month.
The apex bank warned that appropriate sanctions will be imposed on institutions that fail to comply with the new standards.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.