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Group slams CBN's ATM guidelines as insufficient
An advocacy group for the blind is criticizing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its recently released ATM Accessibility Guidelines, scheduled to take effect in October 2025. The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) argues that the guidelines fall short of achieving "meaningful and practical inclusion" for Nigerians with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired.
CITAB, in a statement released in Lagos by its Executive Chairman, Jolomi Fenemigho, described the new rules as a mere “token gesture.” The core of their criticism lies in the limited scope of the guidelines, which mandate that only a small percentage of ATMs (two per cent) feature tactile graphic symbols and a directory of accessible locations.
"For the blind community," the statement reads, "being given crumbs instead of a rightful place at the table remains the reality." CITAB contends that crucial accessibility features, such as audio guidance, Braille instructions, and universally accessible controls, continue to be overlooked.
Deficiencies in Clarity and Scope
CITAB further argues that the guidelines lack clarity, failing to adequately define "total inclusion" or provide a concrete roadmap for achieving universal ATM accessibility. The organization believes that by relying on limited measures and ambiguous language, the CBN is perpetuating the exclusion of disabled Nigerians from genuine financial independence.
Fenemigho emphasized that while tactile features represent a step in the right direction, true accessibility necessitates a comprehensive suite of features. These include:
- Audio Navigation: Headphone-based audio guidance systems to assist visually impaired users in navigating the ATM interface.
- Braille-Labeled Keypads: Tactile markings on keypads to enable independent input of PINs and other information.
- High-Contrast Displays: Screens with enhanced contrast to improve visibility for individuals with low vision.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Intuitive and easily navigable software interfaces designed to accommodate users with disabilities.
CITAB stresses that the widespread adoption of these innovations across both urban and rural areas is essential to demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion.
Discriminatory Banking Practices
The advocacy group also voiced deep concern regarding discriminatory practices employed by some Nigerian banks. These practices include the routine denial of ATM cards to visually impaired customers or the imposition of additional requirements, such as indemnity forms or sworn affidavits – burdens not placed on sighted customers.
Fenemigho highlighted the hypocrisy inherent in this situation: "It is a troubling irony that while banks parade superficial accessibility, many visually impaired Nigerians are still denied access to the very ATM cards that ought to help them. The result is a forced dependency that strips them of privacy, dignity, and financial autonomy, while making a mockery of CBN’s financial inclusion rhetoric."
Calls for Action
CITAB is urging the CBN to take decisive action to address these issues. Their recommendations include:
- Clear Directives: The CBN should issue unambiguous directives to all banks, explicitly prohibiting discriminatory practices against visually impaired customers seeking ATM cards.
- Strict Enforcement: The CBN must ensure rigorous enforcement of these directives, particularly in rural regions where access barriers are often more pronounced.
- Dedicated Disability Help Desk: The establishment of a dedicated disability help desk within the CBN to collect complaints, monitor institutional compliance, and promptly address accessibility issues nationwide is crucial.
Fenemigho underscored the importance of accountability, stating that "Only genuine accountability, backed by strict penalties for non-compliant banks, can turn the rhetoric of inclusion into reality." He emphasized that equitable access to ATM cards is fundamental to financial independence.
"Without universal and equitable access to both ATM cards and accessible machines, the promise of inclusive banking will remain nothing but empty words," Fenemigho asserted.
Commitment to Collaboration
CITAB reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate with the CBN and other stakeholders to cultivate a financial ecosystem where full social and economic inclusion becomes a tangible reality for all Nigerians, rather than a distant aspiration. They believe that by working together, it is possible to create a truly inclusive banking system that empowers individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the economy.
CBN's Broader Initiatives
It is worth noting that the CBN has recently undertaken other measures aimed at improving the banking experience for consumers. This includes a directive instructing Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours. This initiative, outlined in a draft guideline titled "Exposure of the Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria," seeks to protect consumers and bolster confidence in the banking system. The CBN has invited feedback from stakeholders on these draft guidelines.
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