Police reinforcements have been deployed to parts of Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos, in response to unrest thought to be linked a continuing cash shortage.
Gunfire has been heard and a number of main roads have been blocked, some by burning tyres.
Police said order had been restored in one district, Mile Twelve.
They blamed the trouble on hoodlums.
A local newsppaer has shared a video of the Friday morning protests.
Protest In Agege, Lagos Over Naira Scarcity
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) February 17, 2023
Some residents in the Oke-koto area of Agege, Lagos state took to the streets in protest of naira scarcity in the country on Friday.
In the video, the protesters barricaded the road with bonfires.
Credit: Twitter | usman__haruna pic.twitter.com/4dSx9YENsw
Frustration over a shortage of newly-designed banknotes caused violent protests earlier this week in other parts of southern Nigeria including Warri, Benin City and Ibadan.
On Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari, again extended the deadline for the old notes to be handed in.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied a rumour that it had relaxed its policy of withdrawing the old 500 and 1000 naira banknotes amid widespread anger and confusion over a shortage of new notes.
In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement on Thursday, the bank will only “reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknote,” which will be used as legal tender until 10 April this year, the statement said.
The shortage of new banknotes has triggered violent protests and raids on banks as frustrated Nigerians try to get their money.
There were chaotic scenes outside the CBN office in Lagos on Friday as dozens of people tried to get in to deposit their old naira notes. A few could be seen attempting to climb over the fence into the premises.
The old 500 and 1000 naira notes can only be deposited at the CBN offices.
PRESS RELEASE pic.twitter.com/AXkUlDGjx7
— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) February 17, 2023
Observers have criticised the government for introducing the disruptive policy ahead of the 25 February general election.
Analysts say the policy, though poorly rolled out, had been targeted at politicians who had hoarded billions of naira to buy votes.