Recent system upgrades by Nigerian banks have left many customers in a state of frustration and chaos. The upgrades, intended to improve banking services, have instead caused widespread disruptions, making it difficult for people to access their funds and conduct basic transactions.
For instance, customers of GTBank, Sterling Bank, and Zenith Bank have been particularly affected. GTBank’s migration from ICS Financial Services to EdgeVerve Systems’ Finacle has resulted in prolonged downtime, with many customers unable to use the bank’s mobile app or access their accounts.
Sterling Bank’s switch from Temenos T24 to SeaBaaS by Peerless, an indigenous core banking solution, also led to a two-week period where customers could not use the mobile banking app. This lack of access has caused significant inconvenience, especially in emergency situations where immediate financial transactions are crucial.
Zenith Bank, despite informing its customers about an upcoming app update, still faces issues with debit cards, leaving some customers stranded. The bank has insisted that most issues have been resolved, but complaints persist.
The frustration is compounded by the lack of adequate communication from the banks regarding the potential impact of these upgrades. Dr. Uju Ogubunka, President of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, emphasized that while the ultimate aim is to improve services, the simultaneous nature of these upgrades and the failure to inform customers adequately have exacerbated the disruptions.
The situation has not only affected individual customers but also businesses, which rely heavily on smooth banking operations. Many have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media and other platforms, highlighting the need for better planning and communication from the banks.
