Easter: Access, UBA, Zenith, Other Banks To Close Branches Nationwide for 2 Days
- The federal government has declared Friday and Monday as public holidays for Easter celebrations
- All Nigerian banks and other financial institutions will close branches nationwide
- Customers are advised to use digital platforms for transactions during the holiday period
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, the stock market, and broader market trends.
Banks and other financial institutions will shut branches nationwide for two days during the Easter holiday period.
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Source: Getty Images
FG informs Nigerians about the Easter holiday
Nigerian banks and other financial institutions are expected to observe the holidays and close their branches nationwide.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, April 1, congratulating Christians in Nigeria and the diaspora on the occasion.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the virtues associated with the season, Punch reports.
He said:
“I congratulate all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter. I urge Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ."
The minister also called for unity among citizens, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence.
He added.
“Easter is a period that reminds us of the values of tolerance and community that keep us together as a nation. Nigerians should remain committed to these ideals for the progress of our country."
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to policies aimed at national development.
He said:
“The goal of the government remains taking decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity for all Nigerians."
Source: Getty Images
Banks are expected to notify customers of the temporary closure and encourage the use of alternative banking channels.
A sample notice to customers reads:
“Dear Customer, Please be informed that our branches will be closed on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, in observance of the Easter holidays.
"Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. We encourage you to make use of our digital channels to carry out your transactions during this period. Wishing you a safe and restful holiday.”
Customers are advised to rely on electronic banking platforms such as ATMs, mobile apps, internet banking, and USSD services to ensure seamless transactions during the holiday period.
CBN names 28 banks that cannot open branches
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a breakdown of Nigerian banks by licence class obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria shows that at least 28 banks in the country are currently not authorised to operate internationally.
Under CBN’s regulatory framework, banks with international authorisation are permitted to operate beyond Nigeria’s borders and engage in cross‑border banking activities.
Only seven banks currently hold that status: Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First City Monument Bank, First Bank Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Zenith Bank.
Source: Legit.ng
