CBN to commence e-payment scheme for supplies, taxes, salaries, others in January

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded plans to implement the e-payment scheme for government supplies, taxes, salaries and pensions in the country, by January 2.This was disclosed at a one-day Public Sector Stakeholders' forum and enlightenment programme on the e-payment initiative, in Port Harcourt yesterday.The Head of Domestic Payment, CBN, Emmanuel Obaigbona, stated that the initiative was sequel to the Presidential directive in 2009, that from January 2012, all payments by the government and parastatals must be by electronic medium.Obaigbona, who was also the chairman of the programme, in his presentation, said in regard to the objective of National Payment System Vision 2020, the initiative tends to develop a payment system that is nationally utilised and internationally recognised.He stressed that in as much as other stakeholders are in support of the initiative, CBN has the responsibility to approve licensed qualified e-payment, create awareness of the new system, have the oversight function over other banks, and ensure compliance with guidelines concerning e-payment services.Again, he explained that the system would reduce corruption in banks and public sectors and save them from exposing their money in cash to armed robbers.'You know there are a lot of problems with cash, corruption for instance, it will help to reduce corruption in the system and the frequent of robbery attack on banks bullion vans will stop,' he said.Also speaking at the programme, Project Manager PVS2020, CBN, Sam C. Okojere, said, they have about 11 working groups on the e-peyment system, adding that they will start with sectors and people who have over 50 employees.Okorojere stressed that the 'Central Bank is not providing a particular solution, but we will give you the standard we have put in place.'However, he called on every Nigerian, the banks, private sector operators, government parastatals, the press to participate to the success of the initiative.He added, that with e-payment, people can easily pay and receive money threat of robbery or delay at the process, even at the rural areas.
Click here to read full news..