We are disappointed over banks’ discriminatory policy on debt cards – visually impaired

The Visually impaired individuals have expressed disappointments and concern over banks’ recent policy regarding individuals with visual impairments.

They specifically described the requirement for visually impaired individuals to obtain a court order before being eligible for a Bank debit card as both unfair and discriminatory.

The group expressed major concerns in a statement signed by Concern Disability Cluster and made available to Inclusive News Network (INN) on Wednesday.

Olasupo Abdulhammed Opeyemi, Secretary General of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Osun State chapter, noted that the group is astonished that such a policy would be implemented without proper communication or explanation to the visually impaired customers.

According to him, “It is unacceptable for a financial institution such as First Bank PLC to deny visually impaired individuals access to basic banking services. This policy represents a significant barrier for visually impaired individuals and sends a damaging message that their needs and rights are not being taken seriously.

“We urge the bank to reconsider this policy and to ensure that all First Bank customers, regardless of their physical abilities, have equal access to banking services. We expect a prompt response from the management team detailing their plans to address this issue and to ensure that no visually impaired individuals are unfairly discriminated against.

“As a responsible and ethical financial institution, First Bank PLC should be setting an example for the entire industry by promoting inclusivity and equal access for all customers. Instead, this policy demonstrates a lack of understanding and consideration for the needs of the visually impaired community.”

Opeyemi urged the Banks to take swift and decisive action to address this issue and to ensure that no visually impaired customers are subjected to undue hardship or inconvenience due to discriminatory policies.

He added, “In revising this policy, First Bank PLC should also make a concerted effort to consult with the visually impaired community and to solicit feedback from affected customers. This will help to ensure that the bank’s policies and procedures are equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all customers.”

Another visually impaired, Hamza Aminu Fagge, Coordinator of people with disability, Centre for Information, Technology and Development (CITAD) from Kano State shared similar experience with First Bank and UBA in Kano State.

Fagge said “I have experienced this challenge with first bank when we went there to open an organisational bank account for visually impaired association in Kano.

The disability advocate added, “Individually, I was denied to collect the debit card in U.B.A here in Kano. Also, the same issue happened to my fellow visually impaired members UBA and first bank customers. First bank will not give you the card at all. While UBA will ask you to write undertaking letter before issuing you the ATM card. I have witnessed that.

“There is accessibility provision of speech software in any ATM/POS devices for visually impaired users but they don’t care to train us.

“Also, it is still a challenge to speech software users in the aspect of USSD and mobile banking applications, ATM are not accessible for wheelchair users.”

Fagge urged relevant stakeholders to intervene, adding that the action requires collective efforts to tackle the menace.

On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, struck out a suit filed against Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and Access Bank Plc by Ms Enor Agofure, who brought the case on behalf of persons with disabilities.

INN reports that the case was dismissed after the court found that the applicant lacked the locus standi to pursue the matter.