Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret. ), the president, expressed sympathy to Nigerians on Thursday for the hardship brought on by the country’s lack of new Naira notes.

He justified the approach, stating that it was important to stop, among other things, illegal financial flows, ransomware, and electoral fraud.

He acknowledged that the consequences of the Central Bank’s new Naira policy were unanticipated, but added, “I am not ignorant of the barriers put in the way of innocent Nigerians by dishonest banking industry employees, tasked with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy.

I truly apologize for any sorrow these unforeseen consequences have caused you all.

“Let me reassure Nigerians that our administration’s top priorities continue to be boosting our economy, enhancing security, and stopping leaks connected to illicit cash flows.

And I would always uphold my oath of preserving and furthering Nigerians’ interests and the national interest.